Class 10 Hindi - ODISHA
Prose: Balgobin Bhagat
Balgobin Bhagat is a remarkable prose piece by Ramवृक्ष Benipuri prescribed for Class 10 Odisha Board (BSE) students. The chapter portrays a unique rural character who breaks away from traditional social orthodoxies, superstitions, and rigid customs through his pure devotion to music and Kabir's philosophy. Balgobin is not a traditional sadhu; he is a householder, farmer, and a passionate singer whose melodious songs enchant his entire village during different seasons. The chapter teaches important values like humanity, simplicity, breaking social taboos regarding death and widow remarriage, and true devotion, making it a favorite for board exam questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Balgobin Bhagat's Appearance and Lifestyle
He was a man of about sixty with fair, white hair, a simple loincloth, and a Kabir-panthi cap, leading an honest, truthful life without ever taking anyone's property.
Music as a Medium of Devotion
Bhagat expressed his deep devotion to God through the soulful songs of Kabir, singing continuously from the arrival of the monsoon till the winter season.
Breaking Social Taboos
He challenged orthodox social norms by refusing to mourn the death of his son, instead singing and celebrating it as a soul's reunion with the Supreme Creator.
Progressive Outlook on Women
Demonstrating progressive thinking, he arranged for his widowed daughter-in-law's remarriage, opposing regressive societal customs of that era.
Connection with Nature
His daily routine, farming activities, and music were deeply synchronized with the rhythms of nature, changing dynamically with every season.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 10 MIL Hindi examinations, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions often include short-answer questions about Balgobin's daily routine, his unique reaction to his son's death, and long-answer descriptive questions evaluating his character and progressive social views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balgobin Bhagat sing instead of weeping when his son died?
He believed that death was a joyous occasion where an individual soul reunited with the Supreme Soul, hence he celebrated it with songs rather than grief.
What was Balgobin Bhagat's profession?
He was a simple farmer who lived in a small thatched house and cultivated his land, honestly bringing all his crop produce to Kabir's math first.
How did Balgobin Bhagat treat his daughter-in-law?
He treated her with immense care and respect, and when his son died, he insisted that she remarry to ensure a secure future, going against prevailing social customs.
Learn Prose: Balgobin Bhagat with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards