Bholi Class 10 English Chapter 8 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Bholi, originally named Sulekha, was called a simpleton by her family and villagers due to an accident in infancy which left her developmentally delayed. She also suffered from small-pox as a child, permanently scarring her face. 

This affected her confidence and communication, leading her to stammer and avoid speaking. In a family blessed with healthy children, Bholi stood out for her lack of looks and perceived intelligence, causing her to be neglected at home and regarded as a burden concerning her future, particularly her marriage prospects.

When a girls’ primary school opened in the village, the village Tehsildar insisted that Ramlal, as a government representative, send his daughters to set an example. 

Bholi was chosen to attend because her parents saw little chance of her being married due to her appearance and nature. Her siblings’ cast-off clothes and the lack of care she received highlighted the discrimination she faced at home. 

On her first day at school, Bholi was scared, associating the experience with being sent away like their old cow. However, for the first time ever, she was given clean clothes and treated kindly for the purpose of attending school.

At school, Bholi experienced fear and shyness but was also captivated by the colourful pictures on the classroom wall. She felt hope at seeing other girls her age and wished to make friends, something she lacked at home. 

The class teacher’s gentle manner and warm encouragement made a deep impression on Bholi. Despite her stammering, the teacher praised her efforts, giving her confidence and sparking a sense of hope. Bholi was given a picture book and promised that she would soon be able to read fluently, which brought her immense joy and a sense of belonging she had never felt before.

The teacher’s support was instrumental in giving Bholi the encouragement she needed to overcome her fears. She was told that with regular attendance and effort, she would be respected like others and overcome her stammer. This marked the beginning of a positive transformation in Bholi’s life, planting in her a new hope and sense of self-worth.

Years passed, and Bholi grew up watching her village develop into a small town. The school expanded and amenities like a cinema and railway began appearing. Bholi’s school experience, under the guidance of her compassionate teacher, helped her become more confident and educated, while her family still considered her a burden. Her sisters found suitable matches, but her parents worried about her future due to her physical appearance and perceived lack of intelligence.

When Bholi reached a marriageable age, her parents accepted a proposal from Bishamber Nath, a wealthy, much older grocer who limped and already had grown children from a previous marriage. 

They believed it was their only chance to have Bholi married, as he demanded no dowry initially and was from another village, unaware of Bholi’s scars. Though aware that the match was far from equal and that Bishamber was not young or desirable, her parents prioritized marriage over her happiness or consent, assuming she would not object.

On the wedding day, lavish arrangements were made and the guests admired the spectacle. However, when Bishamber saw Bholi’s face, he demanded five thousand rupees from Ramlal as a condition for proceeding with the wedding, using her appearance as an excuse. Ramlal, desperate to save the family’s honour, gave in and paid the sum, even as he humiliated himself in front of everyone.

At the pivotal moment, Bholi found her voice and threw the wedding garland into the fire, firmly refusing to marry a greedy and disrespectful man. She addressed her father clearly, stunning everyone with her fluency and courage. 

Bholi declared she would not marry someone who humiliated and disrespected her family, despite all expectations. She openly confronted those around her, rejecting the idea that her looks or past stammering made her less deserving.

Bholi’s decision highlighted her newfound strength and the impact of good education and positive encouragement. Ultimately, she chose to stay with her parents and to teach at the same school that changed her life, turning her story into one of self-respect and empowerment.

The chapter addresses the themes of gender bias, the stigma around disabilities, and the importance of education for girls. Bholi’s journey from a neglected, timid child to an assertive, self-respecting woman is an example of how encouragement and quality education can break social barriers. 

The chapter further underscores the harsh realities of dowry and forced marriages, as well as the collective responsibility of society to support and uplift girls and those who are vulnerable.

Bholi’s transformation also emphasizes the role of teachers in shaping lives, especially for students who are marginalized or lack support at home. By the end, even her parents and villagers are forced to reflect on their attitudes. Through Bholi’s story, the importance of equality and dignity for all children—regardless of gender or appearance—is reinforced.

• Simpleton: A person who is easily tricked or lacks intelligence
• Numberdar: A village revenue official
• Matted: Tangled or messy, usually referring to hair
• Squatted: Sat on heels
• Scurried: Moved quickly or hurriedly
• Ginning: Process of separating cotton from seeds
• Downcast: With eyes looking down

Questions in the chapter invite students to reflect on gender bias, the difference supportive teaching can make, social attitudes towards girls, and the language and context of the rural setting. Useful reading materials suggested at the end of the chapter encourage further exploration of related topics.

This chapter is crucial for developing understanding and empathy regarding social issues. It helps students become aware of the challenges faced by girls in traditional societies, the importance of education, and the power of standing up for personal dignity. Bholi’s life story is both a warning and an inspiration, encouraging students to value every individual’s right to respect, education, and self-expression.

Class 10 English Chapter 8 Notes – Footprints Without Feet: Bholi Revision Key Points

These Class 10 English Chapter 8 notes cover all key events, character traits, and themes from “Bholi.” Through concise points, students will easily revise the story's main message, character development, and social issues, tailored for board exam preparation.

With written summaries, glossary, and thoughtful analysis, these notes help students remember important facts and understand chapter discussions. Reviewing this content aids in answering exam questions, recognizing social themes, and appreciating the value of education and self-respect showcased in “Bholi.”