NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet - Supp. reader Chapter 8

NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 8 Bholi – complete answers & explanations

This NCERT solutions blog for Class 10 English Chapter 8 Bholi is designed to help students understand the chapter in a clear, exam-focused, and structured way. The story, written by K.A. Abbas, highlights themes of education, gender discrimination, dowry, self-respect, and women empowerment. It shows how education transforms a timid and neglected girl into a confident and self-reliant individual.

These solutions are strictly based on the latest NCERT textbook (Footprints without Feet) and follow the exact order of the questions given under “Think about it” and “Talk about it” without changing the meaning of the questions. The answers are written in simple, board-appropriate language suitable for Class 10 students.

What this NCERT chapter covers

1. Social discrimination against girls in rural society
2. The importance of education in building confidence
3. The evil practice of dowry
4. Self-respect and moral courage
5. Transformation of character through encouragement
6. Gender equality and human rights

How to use these NCERT solutions

1. First read the full chapter carefully from the NCERT textbook.
2. Understand the character development of Bholi.
3. Attempt the questions on your own before checking the answers.
4. Use the solutions to improve answer structure and expression.
5. Revise important themes for board exam preparation.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Focus on character transformation in long-answer questions.
2. Mention themes like dowry, education, gender bias, and self-respect.
3. Write answers in clear paragraphs with proper explanation.
4. Use simple and precise language in board exams.
5. Support answers with examples from the text.

NCERT Solutions – Complete Answer Key
Section: Think about it

1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better place than her home?

Bholi was frightened because she did not know what school was like. She even thought she was being sent away like their old cow Lakshmi. However, when she was given clean clothes, bathed properly, and her hair was oiled, she began to feel special. At school, she saw many girls of her age and beautiful colourful pictures on the walls. Most importantly, her teacher spoke to her in a soft and kind voice and encouraged her. This kindness and warmth made her feel that school was a better place than her home.

2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?

Bholi’s teacher treated her with patience and affection. She encouraged Bholi to speak without fear and praised her efforts. She assured her that with practice she would be able to speak clearly and no one would laugh at her. She gave Bholi confidence, hope, and self-respect. Because of her teacher’s support, Bholi became educated and strong enough to stand up against injustice later in life.

3. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? Why did she later reject the marriage? What does this tell us about her?

At first, Bholi agreed to marry Bishamber to protect her parents’ honour (izzat). She was ready to sacrifice her happiness for her family.

However, when Bishamber demanded five thousand rupees as dowry and insulted her because of her pock-marks, she realised his greed and selfishness. She refused to marry such a man and asked her father to take back the money.

This shows that Bholi had developed courage, self-respect, and independence. Education had transformed her into a confident and self-reliant woman.

4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this right at the beginning. But only in the last but one paragraph of the story is Bholi called Sulekha again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at that point in the story?

At the beginning of the story, she is called Bholi because she is considered simple and foolish. In the last but one paragraph, she is called Sulekha again because she has regained her true identity. She is no longer weak or timid. Education has restored her confidence and dignity. The name Sulekha symbolises her transformation and self-respect.

5. Bholi’s story must have moved you. Do you think girl children are not treated at par with boys? You are aware that the government has introduced a scheme to save the girl child as the sex ratio is declining. The scheme is called Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Save the Girl Child. Read about the scheme and design a poster in groups of four and display on the school notice board.

Poster Content

BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO
Save the Girl Child

• Educate Every Girl
• Stop Gender Discrimination
• Say No to Dowry
• Equal Rights for Boys and Girls
• Empower Women, Empower the Nation

Let Girls Learn. Let Girls Lead.

Section: Talk about it

1. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers by encouraging and motivating her. How do you think you can contribute towards changing the social attitudes illustrated in this story?

We can contribute by treating everyone equally and respectfully. We should not discriminate against girls or mock someone’s weakness. We can raise awareness about the importance of educating girls and oppose harmful practices like dowry. By standing against injustice and encouraging others, we can help change social attitudes.

2. Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of ‘human rights’, do we differentiate between girls’ rights and boys’ rights?

Yes, girls should be aware of their rights and assert them confidently. Girls and boys should have equal rights, duties, and privileges because both are equal members of society. However, society often treats them differently by giving boys more freedom and preference in education, while girls may face restrictions and discrimination. Human rights apply to all humans equally, without any difference between girls and boys.

3. Do you think the characters in the story were speaking to each other in English? If not, in which language were they speaking?

The characters were not speaking in English. They were most likely speaking in Hindi or a regional Punjabi dialect. This is clear from the names like Ramlal and Bishamber Nath and words such as “Pitaji” and “izzat,” which are not English words.

Why NCERT solutions help students

NCERT solutions help students understand themes clearly, organise answers effectively, and prepare according to the CBSE marking scheme. These solutions follow the NCERT pattern closely and help students write structured, exam-ready answers with confidence.

Master Class 10 English with accurate NCERT-based solutions and score better in your board exams.