BHOLI
1. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school?
Ans: The tehsildar visited Bholi's hamlet to open a primary school for girls. To set
an example for others, he requested Ramlal to send his daughters to school.
Ramlal's wife, on the other hand, believed that no one would marry a schoolgirl.
As a result, she objected to the girls going to school, but Ramlal couldn't defy the
tehsildar. This prompted them to send Bholi to school, believing that because
Bholi's physical flaws would always be a hurdle in her marriage, it wouldn't matter
if she went to school.
2. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school?
Ans: Yes, Bholi enjoyed her first day at school. Bholi was terrified when she arrived
at school. She felt a little more at ease when she saw other females at school and
realised she might make some nice friends. When the teacher questioned her
name and she stammered, the other girls teased her, making her feel
embarrassed. She returned home delighted, though, because the teacher
encouraged her to study and attend school on a daily basis in order to grow more
knowledgeable and confident. Yes, Bholi enjoyed her first day of school because
she was relieved to see so many girls her age there. She hoped to make friends
with one of these young ladies.
3. Does she find her teacher different from the people at home?
Ans: Yes, she notices a significant difference between her teacher and the folks
she knows at home. The teacher recognized her problem and encouraged her to
work hard to conquer her stammering. She taught her in a methodical manner and
encouraged her to go to school on a regular basis.
4. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal?
Ans: Bholi's parents were concerned that if they did not accept Bishamber's
proposal, she would be single for the rest of her life. Her mother explained that
they were fortunate that Bishamber was from another village and hence was
unaware of Bholi's pock-marks and lack of understanding. Furthermore, he had
made no dowry request. Bholi's parents accepted the marriage proposal as a
result.
5. Why does the marriage not take place?
Ans: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber, hence the marriage did not take place.
When the groom noticed her pockmarks on her face, he stated that he would only
marry her if her father paid him a dowry of five thousand rupees. Despite Ramlal's
repeated pleas, Bishamber refused to move from his position. Ramlal then placed
the dowry money at the groom's feet. As a result, Bishamber lashed out her hand
as she was going to place the garland around Bholi's neck, and the garland was
tossed into the flames. She stated that she would only marry that man for the sake
of her father's honour. The wedding does not take place because the groom sought
a dowry.
