Class 10 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: Bholi
Supplementary chapter 'Bholi' by K.A. Abbas tells the inspiring transformation of Sulekha, a neglected and stammering girl whom everyone nicknamed Bholi (the simpleton). Driven by education and the encouragement of her dedicated teacher, Bholi evolves into a confident, courageous young woman who fiercely rejects an avaricious groom named Bishamber Nath during her marriage ceremony. This chapter holds high importance for Odisha BSE Class 10 board exams as it tests narrative comprehension, character analysis, and the core theme that education and self-respect are powerful tools to overcome social stigmas and gender discrimination.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Bholi's Early Neglect
Sulekha was called Bholi because she suffered brain damage from a fall in childhood, spoke with a stammer, and had pock-marks on her face, making her the most neglected child in her orthodox family.
The Role of Education
Sent to the village's new primary school because her parents thought her unmarriageable, Bholi received gentle encouragement from her teacher, which unlocked her dormant intelligence and built her self-confidence.
The Greedy Proposal
Bholi's parents arranged her marriage to an aging, lame widower named Bishamber Nath, who rudely demanded a heavy dowry of five thousand rupees upon seeing Bholi's pock-marked face.
Bholi's Stand and Self-Respect
Refusing to yield to societal pressure or blackmail, Bholi threw the fire into the sacred pit, rejected the greedy groom, and declared she would look after her aging parents and teach in the very school that saved her.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha BSE Class 10 English board examination, this supplementary chapter regularly features in long-answer questions (carrying 5 marks) assessing character sketches of Bholi or her teacher, and short-answer questions (2-3 marks) focusing on the plot and thematic values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi?
She was nicknamed Bholi, meaning a simpleton, because she was backward intellectually due to a childhood brain injury and had a stammering speech impediment.
How did Bholi's teacher change her life?
Her teacher spoke to her with immense affection and encouragement, instilled confidence in her, gave her a book, and assured her that she would soon be the cleverest girl in the school.
Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber Nath?
Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was greedy, insulting, and demanded a heavy dowry of five thousand rupees, showing no self-respect.
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