Bholi

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Bholi's real name is Sulekha. She is called 'Bholi' (meaning simpleton) because she was considered backward due to a head injury she suffered at ten months old when she fell from a cot, which may have…

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Bholi had two main physical issues: 1) Pock marks all over her body (except eyes) from smallpox at age 2, which disfigured her appearance, and 2) Speech problems - she couldn't speak until age 5 and t…

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Bholi was sent to school because: 1) The Tehsildar ordered Ramlal to send his daughters to school as an example, 2) Her mother suggested sending Bholi since 'there was little chance of her getting mar…

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The teacher treated Bholi with kindness, patience, and encouragement. She spoke in a soft, soothing voice, never laughed at her stammering, praised her efforts ('Well done'), and gave her hope by sayi…

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Initially, Bholi was frightened and refused to go, shouting 'N-n-n-n NO, no-no-no' in terror. At school, she was scared, couldn't say her name properly, and cried helplessly when other girls laughed a…

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Bishamber Nath was a well-to-do grocer, about 45-50 years old, who limped and had grown children from his first wife. Ramlal considered the proposal because: 1) He was wealthy (big shop, house, money …

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When the veil was lifted and Bishamber saw Bholi's pock-marked face, he refused to continue the marriage unless Ramlal paid him 5000 rupees as dowry. Despite Ramlal's pleading and offering 2000 rupees…

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Bholi looked at Bishamber with cold contempt (not anger or hate). When he tried to put the garland on her, she struck it away 'like a streak of lightning' and threw it into the fire. She then stood up…