Ramlal, Bholi's father, is a weak and self-centred man who prioritises social obligations over his daughter's welfare. He neglects Bholi throughout her childhood and sends her to school not out of care, but because he fears disobeying the Tehsildar. He agrees to marry her to an old, lame man simply to avoid the "burden" of an unmarried daughter. When Bishamber demands dowry at the wedding, Ramlal humiliates himself completely rather than protecting Bholi's dignity. Overall, he represents a typical patriarchal father who treats his daughter as a problem to be disposed of, not a person to be valued.
Source: Bholi, Chapter 8
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Examiners expect a balanced critical assessment — not just listing events, but judging the father's character with supporting evidence. Three marks means three distinct points: (1) neglect/indifference, (2) self-interest in the school/marriage decisions, and (3) spinelessness during the wedding. Use words like "weak," "self-centred," "patriarchal" to show character analysis. Avoid retelling the whole story — pick key moments as evidence only.