A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Question Answers (Important)| Class 8 English Poorvi Book

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A Tale of Valour Imp.Qns

CBSE Class 8 English Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Important Question Answers from Poorvi Book

 

Class 8 English A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Question Answers – Looking for questions and answers for CBSE Class 8 English Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 8 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given NCERT solutions to the chapter’s extract-based questions, multiple choice questions and Extra Question Answers 

Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams. 

 

 

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A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Textbook Questions (NCERT Solutions)

 

Exercises

Let us do these activities before we read.

I. Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
Ans. The Republic Day Parade on 26 January is a grand and nationally significant event that celebrates the constitution and military of India. We see each state display its uniqueness, henceforth celebrating cultural diversity. Therefore, it imparts knowledge on the culture and military advances of our country.

2. What are the highlights of this parade?
Ans. The highlights of the parade are the symmetrical and powerful parades of the Indian Armed Forces, police units, and other defence forces. The military jets showcase the technological advancements of the Indian Air Force.

3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Ans. Various awards are given on the Republic Day. For bravery, Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, and other Service Medals. It is given to the military and police personnel for their distinction and noble services.

II. Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
Ans. A soldier should be brave, perceptive, selfless, enduring, loyal, and noble.

2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Ans. I would share a message of gratitude and salute in respect to the soldier.

Let us discuss
I. Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. (1)
2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.
3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.
6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)
Ans.
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. (1)
2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India. (7)
3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar. (4)
4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. (2)
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam. (5)
6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942. (3)
7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him. (6)
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)

Let us think and reflect
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour.
Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground.

(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire…’
A. The gunshots had stopped for a while.
B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
C. The invaders were retreating from the fight.
D. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.
Ans. B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.

(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ___________________
Ans. Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because he did not want to let the Pakistani intruders take control of Srinagar.

(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:
(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.
(R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans. B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:
Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ___________________________. (injuries/worry)
Ans. Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite injuries.

2. Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction, and young Somnath was deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather.

(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?
A. He was primarily influenced by his father’s achievements in the military.
B. His inspiration came solely from the tales of the Mahabharata.
C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.
D. He decided to join the military out of necessity rather than passion.
Ans. C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.

(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false:
Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family.
Ans. True

(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma?
(He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence./He was highly respected for his contributions to the country.)
Ans. He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence.

(iv) Replace the underlined phrase with a word from the extract that has a similar meaning.
My family and I visited a popular hill station and stayed in an old but visually charming house surrounded by trees.
Ans. My family and I visited a popular hill station and stayed in an old but picturesque house surrounded by trees.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. ‘Major Somnath’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, forever alive…’ What is the significance of the repetition in this line?
Ans. The significance of repetition of ‘forever alive’ refers to how the tale of valour of Major Somnath Sharma will last forever and his sacrifice will always be honoured.

2. Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam?
Ans. Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam. When the small tribal invaders attacked D Company, he predicted that the attack was just a distraction for a bigger attack. He turned out to be right, because after some time, the opposite end of D Company was facing devastating fire from 500 invaders. He urged his men to stand their ground and keep fighting till their last breath. He knew that they had to fight as long as possible so that the reinforcements could come and put down the invaders successfully. So, Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men and showed extreme bravery to demotivate the enemies. Major Somnath’s leadership was so inspiring that even after the major died due to a mortar shell, the men fought on with strength and bravery in order to honor their leader and defend their country. Therefore, Major Somnath’s leadership of his 90 men led to 300 out of 500 invaders getting killed and the rest of the enemies getting demotivated and intimidated by his fearlessness and patriotism.

3. What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?
Ans. Major Somnath’s last words were: “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.” This reflects that he took his duty to heart and fiercely loved his motherland. He embodied the ideals of patriotism and selflessness and would not allow a single intruder to get past him and his men.

4. What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
Ans. If Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground, the intruders would have captured Srinagar before the reinforcements would have arrived. Srinagar was a strategically important location in Kashmir and would have given Pakistan the upper hand in the Indo-Pakistan War. If Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground, India would have lost Srinagar.

5. Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today?
Ans. Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today. He is the personification of patriotism, selflessness, valor, and gallantry. Therefore, he is what every soldier aspires to be. Major Somnath’s story invokes a sense of gratitude, respect, and deep admiration in civilians. It motivates them to contribute to their country and honour the brave soldiers in their own ways.

6. How can the values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma— courage, duty, and self-sacrifice—be applied in our daily lives?
Ans. Major Somnath Sharma demonstrates courage, duty, and self-sacrifice. These can be demonstrated in our daily lives. We can show self-sacrifice by being kind to the poor and needy. We can show courage by going out of our way to fight against social injustice. We can show duty by staying committed to our country and our mission to make our country better for our future generations.

 

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Grammar Exercises

Let us learn 

I. Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with the most suitable situations given in Column 2.

Column 1 Column 2
1. Fight to the last man (i) A sports team scores a last-minute goal, giving them the lead and shaking the opponent’s confidence.
2. Foil the plan  (ii) The soldiers fought valiantly until each one laid down his life for the nation.
3. Deliver a blow (iii) Soldiers stay in their position and fight back, even though the enemy is stronger.
4. Hold their ground (iv) A spy disrupts the enemy’s efforts to invade a country by intercepting their communications.

Now, complete the following sentences using the expressions from Column 1. 
A. The detective managed to ______________ by finding the hidden evidence before the culprit could get rid of it.
B. The company’s new advertising campaign was meant to ______________ to their competitors’ sales.
C. The hikers chose to ______________ despite the heavy rain, refusing to turn back on their journey.
D. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers vowed to defend their homeland and ______________, refusing to surrender to the enemy forces. 

Ans.

Column 1 Column 2
1. Fight to the last man (ii) The soldiers fought valiantly until each one laid down his life for the nation.
2. Foil the plan  (iv) A spy disrupts the enemy’s efforts to invade a country by intercepting their communications.
3. Deliver a blow (i) A sports team scores a last-minute goal, giving them the lead and shaking the opponent’s confidence.
4. Hold their ground (iii) Soldiers stay in their position and fight back, even though the enemy is stronger.

A.The detective managed to foil the plan by finding the hidden evidence before the culprit could get rid of it.
B. The company’s new advertising campaign was meant to deliver a blow to their competitors’ sales.
C. The hikers chose to hold their ground despite the heavy rain, refusing to turn back on their journey.
D. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers vowed to defend their homeland and fight to the last man, refusing to surrender to the enemy forces.

II. Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text. 

A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was air-lifted into Srinagar…
There are many such collective nouns used in the context of armed forces. Match the collective nouns in Column 1 to their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary. 

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Column 1 Column 2
1. regiment (i) a large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit
2. squadron  (ii) a permanent unit of an army typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel/colonel and divided into several companies
3. fleet (iii) a small unit, typically comprising 12–24 aircrafts and their crews used in air force, naval, or army aviation services.
4. battalion (iv) a group of ships sailing together, engaged in the same activity, or under the same ownership

Now, fill in the blanks suitably with words from Column 1 in the table.
A. The commanding officer addressed the entire ________ of soldiers during the morning assembly.
B. The admiral ordered the entire ________ to set sail for battle.
C. The ________ of infantry advanced slowly through the dense forest.
D. A ________ of fighter jets was sent to intercept the enemy planes.
Ans.

Column 1 Column 2
1. regiment (ii) a permanent unit of an army typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel/colonel and divided into several companies
2. squadron  (iii) a small unit, typically comprising 12–24 aircrafts and their crews used in air force, naval, or army aviation services.
3. fleet (iv) a group of ships sailing together, engaged in the same activity, or under the same ownership
4. battalion (i) a large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit

A. The commanding officer addressed the entire regiment of soldiers during the morning assembly.
B. The admiral ordered the entire fleet to set sail for battle.
C. The battalion of infantry advanced slowly through the dense forest.
D. A squadron of fighter jets was sent to intercept the enemy planes.

III Read the following words from the text and fill in the blanks with the correct words by taking clues from the meanings given below in the box.

overwhelm overthrow overrun

Meanings
1. To take and seize control: ____________
2. To invade or occupy an area in large numbers: ____________
3. To flood or overpower someone or something emotionally:____________

Now, create a list of at least five other verbs that begin with ‘over’ and frame sentences of your own.
Ans.
overthrow
overrun
overwhelm

Five other verbs starting with ‘over’:
1. overbearing: Overbearing parents can spoil children and make them extremely dependent.
2. overcoat: I would like to purchase that brown overcoat.
3. overcooked: This time, the food in the restaurant tastes overcooked.
4. overhead: I cannot hear you because there is a plane flying overhead.
5. overjoyed: This announcement makes me overjoyed!

IV In the following pairs of words, ‘c’ is used for nouns, while ‘s’ is used for verbs.
• advice (noun) and advise (verb)
• practice (noun) and practise (verb)
• device (noun) and devise (verb)
• council (noun) and counsel (verb)

Now, fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the brackets.
1. The teacher’s (i) ____________ is always helpful, and she continues to (ii) ____________ students on their career choices. (advice/advise)
2. The musician believes that daily (i) ____________ helps a lot, so she is always ready to (ii) ____________ her harmonium lessons.(practice/practise)
3. The scientist uses a strange (i) ____________ for experiments and plans to (ii)___________ new methods for his analysis. (device/devise)
4. The village (i) ____________ met to discuss issues and decided to (ii) ____________ the villagers on important matters. (council/counsel)
Ans.
1. The teacher’s advice is always helpful, and she continues to advise students on their career choices.
2. The musician believes that daily practice helps a lot, so she is always ready to practise her harmonium lessons.
3. The scientist uses a strange device for experiments and plans to devise new methods for his analysis.
4. The village council met to discuss issues and decided to counsel the villagers on important matters.

Read the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text.
Most importantly, his story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in defence of the motherland.
In terms of meaning, there is no difference between the two words (defence, defense). In American English the word is spelt with an ‘s’, whereas in British English it is spelt with a ‘c’, which is the preferred spelling. The word has several different meanings, but it is mostly used to mean ‘the act of protecting someone or something against attack or criticism’.

V. Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
• …ended with echoes of courage that serve as an inspiration…
• A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was airlifted into Srinagar…
• D Company with 90 soldiers was the last and they were expected to return by 2:00 p.m.
• The life and sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma embody the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism.

The highlighted words are either singular verbs or plural verbs.
They are in agreement with the subject of the sentence. This is called Subject-Verb Agreement.

Now, fill in the blanks for the following sentences by choosing the correct verb given within brackets.
1. The bouquet of flowers __________ (is/are) beautiful.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students __________ (was/were) aware of the change in the schedule.
3. Each of the participants __________ (has/have) submitted their projects on time.
4. The data collected by the researchers __________ (shows/show) significant trends.
5. One of the players __________ (was/were) injured during the match.
6. Either the children or their guardian __________ (has/have) to attend the meeting.
7. A pair of shoes __________ (is/are) missing from the rack.
8. Neither of the statements __________ (is/are) true.
9. The members of the jury __________ (has deliver/have delivered) their verdict to the court.
10. Mathematics __________ (is/are) an interesting subject for many students.
Ans.
1. The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students were aware of the change in the schedule.
3. Each of the participants has submitted their projects on time.
4. The data collected by the researchers shows significant trends.
5. One of the players was injured during the match.
6. Either the children or their guardian has to attend the meeting.
7. A pair of shoes is missing from the rack.
8. Neither of the statements is true.
9. The members of the jury have delivered their verdict to the court.
10. Mathematics is an interesting subject for many students.

VI. Read the following passage and correct the incorrect usage of verbs. One example has been done for you.
A battalion of soldiers stand at attention as the National flag are raised.
A battalion of soldiers stands at attention as the National flag is raised.
Each soldier salute with pride while the commander and his assistants inspects the parade. The sound of marching feet echo through the air as a group of cadets prepare for their drill. Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles pass by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.
Ans. Each soldier salutes with pride while the commander and his assistants inspect the parade. The sound of marching feet echoes through the air as a group of cadets prepares for their drill. Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles passes by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.

Let us listen
I You will listen to a talk about the Param Vir Chakra. As you listen, complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with one or two exact words or phrases you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 98)
1. The Param Vir Chakra signifies the ‘Wheel of the Ultimate ____________.’
2. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to someone who shows exemplary bravery while fighting with the ____________.
3. The Param Vir Chakra was introduced as a Gallantry Medal in 1947 by the ____________.
4. The design of the Param Vir Chakra is inspired by Sage Dadhichi, who was a ____________.
5. The state emblem in the centre of the Param Vir Chakra is surrounded by the Vajra and ____________.
Ans.
1. Brave
2. enemy
3. President of India
4. Vedic rishi
5. Thunderbolt

Let us write

I A letter of enquiry is a formal letter written to seek detailed information about something the writer wants to know. For example, it can be used for joining a course, organising an event, knowing details about a trip, etc. The language used is formal and specific, with relevant queries.

Now, write a letter of enquiry. Your school wishes to organise a visit to a Memorial in your state/region. Write the letter to the incharge of that memorial requesting for information regarding available dates for visits, the duration of the tour, any entry fees, and guidelines for student groups.
• Follow the given layout.
• Use the cues given below to draft the letter.

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Ans.
ABC School, New Delhi

Date: 30 July, 2025

The In-charge
National War Memorial
New Delhi

Subject: Enquiry for school visit to the National War Memorial

Dear sir

The ABC School would like to organise a visit by students to the National War Memorial as a part of the Independence Day celebrations. This letter is to inquire about available time slots and other details regarding the same.

Firstly, I request you to share the available time slots for the visit and the appropriate dates in the coming week. Morning timings are preferred. Please specify if there are fixed durations of each trip, availability of guided tours and guidelines that students and teachers are expected to follow. I would be grateful for the information on entry fees and if the fees vary for students or groups. Lastly, please share other facilities that the memorial provides to the visitors.

I look forward to an early reply and guidance so that students can experience the patriotic spirit of the memorial in the best way possible. Your cooperation will be highly appreciated.

Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Principal
ABC School

 

CBSE Class 8 English Unit 2 Chapter 1 A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Extract-Based Questions

 

A. This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav— his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for our freedom.
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders. The day began with the silence of a cold November dawn but ended with echoes of courage that served as an inspiration for generations to come.

Q1. Valiant means _____
Ans. brave

Q2. What was the rank of Major Somnath Sharma?
Ans. He was a Major in the Indian army.

Q3. Major Sharma was honoured with the _________
Ans. Param Vir Chakra

Q4. Where did Major Sharma display extraordinary heroism and sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders?
Ans. In the Kashmir valley

Q5. In which month did the incident happen?
Ans. It happened in November 1947.

 

B. When the enemy (tribal guerrilla invaders), under the command of the Pakistani army, saw that only a small group of Indian soldiers were left behind in Badgam, they attacked them. Their initial attack was met with stiff resistance by Major Somnath and his men. However, Major Somnath correctly visualised that the first attack was just a distraction. Shortly thereafter, a major attack came from another side. By then, Major Somnath Sharma and his 90 soldiers were facing about 500 invaders.
The Pakistani invaders sought to capture the Srinagar airfield and its surrounding areas. It was clear to Major Somnath Sharma that defending Srinagar town, the airfield, and the wider valley was indeed difficult until reinforcements arrived.
After assessing the situation, he requested air strikes. He bravely laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft towards their target. The aerial attacks were successful in hitting the tribal invaders, but they still outnumbered D Company by almost seven to one, the attack on the positions occupied by Major Somnath’s men continued.

Q1. The enemy belonged to _____
Ans. Pakistan

Q2. The term Guerilla refers to ___________
Ans. a member of an unofficial military group that is trying to change the government by making sudden, unexpected attacks on the official army forces

Q3. The battle of __________ was an outcome of Operation Gulmarg launched by Pakistan.
Ans. Badgam

Q4. How many soldiers were there with Major Sharma?
Ans. 90

Q5. What was the aim of the Pakistani invaders?
Ans. They wanted to capture Srinagar airfield.

 

C. However, instead of honouring the commitment, the Pakistani Army trained and equipped around 1000 invaders who possessed deep knowledge of mountain passes and the local terrain to enter Kashmir and take control of strategic locations, including the Srinagar airport. The ultimate goal of their plan was to engineer a revolt in Kashmir, overthrow the government, and capture the territory. If they had succeeded, it would have allowed them to control strategic mountain passes, peaks, and rivers. On 22 October, Operation Gulmarg was launched and these infiltrators invaded Kashmir, which led to the Princely State becoming a part of India on 26 October 1947.

Q1. The battle of Badgam was an outcome of ____________
Ans. Operation Gulmarg by Pakistan

Q2. The Pakistani invaders aimed to capture strategic locations like ______
Ans. the Srinagar airport

Q3. When did Pakistan launch Operation Gulmarg?
Ans. It was launched on 22 October 1947.

Q4. Which princely state is being referred to?
Ans. The state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q5. What led to the inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir into India?
Ans. The Operation Gulmarg launched by pakistan on 22 October led to the inclusion of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir into India on 26 October 1947.

 

D. On 31 October, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was also flown into Srinagar. At that time, Major Somnath Sharma’s left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on being with his company while in combat. He knew that this mission would be very challenging and told his senior officers, “I know my men better than anyone else, and if they are going into action, they are not going in without me.” These words highlighted his commitment to his men and his country.
Before their arrival in Srinagar, there had been unfounded rumours of tribal movement towards the village of Badgam, less than 5 kilometres away from the Srinagar airport. The village was on a higher altitude than the airfield, and access was through the village. Hence, it was important for Indian forces to retain control of the area in order to protect troops and facilitate supplies arriving via air.

Q1. Describe the force to which Major Sharma belonged?
Ans. Major Somnath Sharma was a part of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, also known as D company.

Q2. How far from the Srinagar airport was the village of Badgam located?
Ans. It was less than 5km from the Srinagar airport.

Q3. What shows Major Sharma’s commitment to his fellow soldiers?
Ans. Despite having a plaster on his hand, Major Sharma announced that he would accompany his team of soldiers. This shows his commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Q4. Describe the strategic location of the village.
Ans. The village of Badgam was located strategically, at a higher altitude than the Srinagar airfield. The airfield had access through the village as well.

Q5. What kind of movement was noticed in the village?
Ans. Some kind of tribals were seen moving around the village. They were Pakistan-aided tribal guerrilla invaders.

 

Class 8 A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Who was Somnath Sharma?
A. a driver
B. a soldier
C. a teacher
D. a sportsperson
Ans. B. a soldier

Q2. Major Sharma was the first to be awarded ______
A. PVC
B. VC
C. MVC
D. None of these
Ans. A. PVC

Q3. Major Sharma sacrificed his life in ______
A. India’s freedom struggle
B. Battle of Badgam
C. Kargil war
D. World War
Ans. B. Battle of Badgam

Q4. He sacrificed _______ during the war
A. his leg
B. his family
C. his life
D. none of these
Ans. C. his life

Q5. Major Sharma belonged to which regiment?
A. Jat Regiment
B. Gorkha Rifles
C. Assam Regiment
D. Kumaon Regiment
Ans. D. Kumaon Regiment

Q6. Major Sharma’s name is etched on the _________
A. Rashtriyapati Bhawan
B. Qutub Minar
C. National War Memorial
D. All of these
Ans. C. National War Memorial

Q7. Where did the Battle of Badgam take place?
A. Jammu valley
B. Ladakh valley
C. Kashmir valley
D. None of these
Ans. C. Kashmir valley

Q8. Major Sharma and his men were on a mission to save which place?
A. Palace of the king
B. airport
C. defence base
D. village
Ans. B. airport

Q9. How many invaders were the Indian soldiers facing?
A. just a handful
B. around 500
C. 90
D. not mentioned
Ans. B. around 500

Q10. When did Pakistan launch Operation Gulmarg?
A. October 1946
B. October 1948
C. August 1947
D. August 1948
Ans. C. August 1947

Q11. By launching Operation Gulmarg, Pakistan had violated its agreement with _____
A. Indian PM, Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Kashmir’s king, Hari Singh
C. Queen of England
D. None of these
Ans. B. Kashmir’s king, Hari Singh

Q12. Major Sharma’s team of soldiers is also known as-
A. B Company
B. D Company
C. C Company
D. None of these
Ans. B. D Company

Q13. Why were the soldiers airlifted to Srinagar?
A. land route was in bad condition
B. they were in a hurry
C. soldiers were transported via air
D. none of these
Ans. A. land route was in bad condition

Q14. The land route to Srinagar was through _____
A. Pathankot
B. Amritsar
C. Gurdaspur
D. Chandigarh
Ans. A. Pathankot

Q15. On which date was the D Company flown into Srinagar?
A. 30 October
B. 31 October
C. 26 October
D. 27 October
Ans. B. 31 October

Q16. Major Sharma’s _______ was in plaster.
A. left hand
B. right hand
C. left leg
D. both arms
Ans. A. left hand

Q17. Find the meaning of ‘unfounded’
A. not based on reason
B. senseless
C. magical
D. none of these
Ans. A. not based on reason

Q18. The _______ village was on a ___ altitude than the Srinagar airfield.
A. Badgam, lower
B. Pahalgam, higher
C. Badgam, same
D. Badgam, higher
Ans. D. Badgam, higher

Q19. Who was commanding the Pakistani tribal guerrilla invaders?
A. Chinese army
B. Pakistani army
C. Terror groups
D. none of these
Ans. B. Pakistani army

Q20. Where did major Sharma get early education?
A. Doon school
B. Lawrence school
C. Sherwood
D. None of these
Ans. C. Sherwood

 

CBSE Class 8 English Poorvi Book Unit 2 – Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Extra Question and Answers

Answer the following questions-
Q1. How do we know that the Pakistani invaders were well-trained?
Ans. They had deep knowledge of the local terrain and the mountain passes.

Q2. Despite being overrun by the enemy, how did the D Company contribute to the country?
Ans. The D Company made the supreme sacrifice and even after losing their leader, they held onto their position for over six hours which enabled the army to get time. By this time the soldiers from Punjab regiment were flown in and thus, the Srinagar airfield was saved.

Q3. How were the sacrifices made that day honoured?
Ans. Major Somnath Sharma became the first Indian soldier to be honoured with the Param vir Chakra. The 4 KUMAON battalion was awarded the Battle Honour, Srinagar.

Q4. Identify the date on which Major SHarma made the supreme sacrifice.
Ans. It was the 3rd of November, while facing the enemy tribal invaders that a mortar shell landed on Major Sharma and killed him instantly.

Q5. How old was Major Sharma when he made the supreme sacrifice?
Ans. He was 24 years of age when, in the battle of Badgam, on 3rd November 1947, he laid down his life while fighting the enemy.

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