What was D Company's mission at Badgam?

To hold the Badgam area against enemy infiltrators

How did Major Somnath Sharma die?

His position was hit by a mortar shell

What was Major Somnath Sharma's last radio message about?

Reporting that he would not withdraw and would fight to the last man and the last round

Asking for reinforcements immediately

Despite his right hand being in a cast from an injury why did Major Somnath Sharma continue fighting?

He personally filled and threw hand grenades and directed the battle refusing to abandon his men

How did D Company's resistance help India even though they were outnumbered?

They delayed the enemy long enough for reinforcements including soldiers from the Punjab regiment to reach Srinagar

They destroyed all enemy weapons

What was the ratio of enemy forces to D Company's strength?

100 attackers versus 7 men only

Over 700 attackers versus about 100 men

What was Major Somnath Sharma doing just before he was killed by the mortar shell?

Helping a machine gun operator load his gun in a trench

What effect did D Company's brave resistance have on the enemy?

The enemy was encouraged to continue attacking

The enemy suffered more than 300 casualties including their leader being injured

The enemy captured all positions quickly

The enemy requested a ceasefire

What does the citation awarded to Major Somnath Sharma reflect?

His heroism patriotism and courage

Where is Major Somnath Sharma's name etched in permanent memory?

The Honour Wall of the National War Memorial

The Armed Forces Memorial in Pune

The Martyrs' Pillar in Srinagar

What inspired young Somnath Sharma growing up besides his father's military career?

Valorous tales of the Mahabharata told by his grandfather

Accounts of World War I battles

What is the significance of Major Somnath Sharma being the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

He was the senior-most officer at the time

He received it as the first-ever recipient and it was awarded posthumously for supreme gallantry and sacrifice

He was the youngest soldier in Indian history

He was the only person eligible at the time

What does "posthumously" mean in the context of the Param Vir Chakra awarded to Major Somnath Sharma?

Awarded for exceptional service

Awarded jointly with another soldier

What does Major Somnath Sharma's decision to stay and fight — despite being injured and outnumbered — reveal about his character?

He was following strict orders with no personal conviction

His sense of duty and patriotism far outweighed personal safety and self-preservation

He did not realise the danger he was in

How does the phrase "fight to the last man and the last round" encapsulate the spirit of D Company's stand?

It literally described that they would keep fighting until every man fell and every bullet was spent — an expression of absolute resolve and sacrifice

It was a strategic military term

It meant they had very little ammunition

What does the chapter suggest about leadership under extreme pressure?

Good leaders retreat quickly to save lives

Major Somnath's leadership motivated his men to hold on for six more hours after his death showing how inspiring leadership outlasts the leader

Leaders should always wait for orders

Good leaders prioritise their own safety first

How did Major Somnath Sharma's sacrifice contribute to saving Srinagar for India?

It was a minor action with no strategic importance

By holding the enemy and causing massive casualties D Company bought crucial time for reinforcements to fly in enabling the defence of Srinagar

He personally negotiated a ceasefire

What is the broader significance of the Battle of Badgam in the context of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947?

It was the final battle of the war

It was the battle in which the defence of Srinagar was critically established through D Company's sacrifice and resistance

It led to the capture of Lahore

How does the chapter present Major Somnath Sharma's early life as preparation for his ultimate sacrifice?

His childhood had no connection to military values

His family's military legacy early education discipline at Sherwood College training at Sandhurst and his World War II service all shaped the values that led him to act the way he did at Badgam

He became brave only when he entered the army

His early life was marked by failures

What does the repeated reference to the tricolour flying over Srinagar symbolise in the chapter?

The preservation of Indian sovereignty over Kashmir through the sacrifice of soldiers like Major Somnath Sharma

How does the chapter balance a factual account with emotional tribute?

It combines dates casualty figures and strategic outcomes with emotional language about duty honour and sacrifice creating both historical record and personal inspiration

It uses only emotional language

It tells the story only from the enemy's perspective

Which facts about the Battle of Badgam highlight the extreme odds D Company faced?

D Company had superior weapons / There were over 700 enemy attackers versus a much smaller Indian force / Major Somnath had a hand injury / They were under devastating fire

Enemy had surrendered before the battle

Which details in the chapter show Major Somnath Sharma's personal qualities?

He volunteered for the mission despite his cast / He personally assisted in loading the machine gun / He refused to withdraw / His final radio message showed resolve

He did not communicate with his men

How does the author's use of Major Somnath Sharma's last radio message as a structural device affect the chapter?

It is used only as a historical footnote

The final radio message becomes the emotional and moral centrepiece of the chapter — it crystallises his resolve and gives the reader direct access to his spirit in his final moments

It is used to criticise military communication

The message was irrelevant to the battle

What is the significance of Major Somnath Sharma having a hand in a cast during the battle?

It shows he was careless with his health

It amplifies the extraordinary nature of his courage — he chose duty over physical limitation when he could have legitimately stayed back

It shows he was poorly supported by the army

How does the chapter connect the sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma to present-day India?

It traces a direct line from his sacrifice at Badgam to the preservation of Srinagar and the freedom of present-day India reminding readers that freedom has a living cost

It criticises the present government

It suggests his sacrifice was forgotten

Which values does the chapter seek to inspire in its readers through Major Somnath Sharma's story?

Patriotism and duty / Courage under impossible odds / Leadership that inspires beyond death / Self-sacrifice for the greater good

NCERT Solutions Class 8 English - Poorvi Chapter 2.1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

Name: A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam – Class 8 English - Poorvi
Uploaded: 2026-07-24T09:14:25+00:00
Description: Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, displayed extraordinary bravery in the 1947 Battle of Badgam, defending Srinagar airport against overwhelming odds and sacrificing his life for the nation. His courage and patriotism remain an enduring inspiration.

Class 8 English - Poorvi

Last Updated: 24 July 2026

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Chapter Introduction

Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, displayed extraordinary bravery in the 1947 Battle of Badgam, defending Srinagar airport against overwhelming odds and sacrificing his life for the nation. His courage and patriotism remain an enduring inspiration.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

भारत के पहले परम वीर चक्र सम्मानित मेजर सुमनाथ शर्मा ने 1947 की बैडगाम लड़ाई में श्रीनगर हवाई अड्डे की रक्षा करते हुए अद्वितीय साहस दिखाया और देश के लिए अपना जीवन न्योछावर किया। उनका साहस और देशभक्ति आज भी प्रेरणा स्रोत है।

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Important Points

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Practice MCQ Questions (34 questions)

Q1. What is the full name of the brave soldier this chapter is about?

Q2. On what date did the Battle of Badgam take place?

Q3. Where was Major Somnath Sharma born?

Q4. What award was Major Somnath Sharma posthumously given?

Q5. Which battalion did Major Somnath Sharma belong to?

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Tough Words (Glossary)

Valiant

Meaning: Brave and courageous

अर्थ: वीर / साहसी

"Major Somnath Sharma was a valiant soldier."

Etched

Meaning: Carved or fixed permanently

अर्थ: उकेरा हुआ

"His name is etched in history."

Annals

Meaning: Historical records

अर्थ: इतिहास / अभिलेख

"The event is recorded in the annals of the army."

Beacon

Meaning: A guiding light or inspiration

अर्थ: प्रकाशस्तंभ

"His bravery is a beacon for the nation."

Patriotism

Meaning: Love for one’s country

अर्थ: देशभक्ति

"Patriotism unites citizens in difficult times."

Valour

Meaning: Great courage in battle

अर्थ: पराक्रम

"The soldiers fought with valour."

Legacy

Meaning: Something handed down from the past

अर्थ: विरासत

"His legacy inspires generations."

Serene

Meaning: Calm and peaceful

अर्थ: शांत

"The Kashmir valley looked serene."

Majestic

Meaning: Grand and impressive

अर्थ: भव्य

"The majestic Himalayas surround Kashmir."

Integrity

Meaning: Unity and honesty of a nation

अर्थ: अखंडता

"The soldiers protected the integrity of India."

Guerrilla

Meaning: Irregular fighters using surprise attacks

अर्थ: गुरिल्ला सैनिक

"The army fought against guerrilla forces."

Infiltrators

Meaning: People entering secretly, often enemies

अर्थ: घुसपैठिए

"The infiltrators tried to capture Srinagar."

Annex

Meaning: To take control of a territory

अर्थ: विलय करना

"The invaders tried to annex Kashmir."

Strategic

Meaning: Important for planning and security

अर्थ: रणनीतिक

"The airport was of strategic importance."

Revolt

Meaning: An uprising against authority

अर्थ: विद्रोह

"The invaders wanted to engineer a revolt."

Contingent

Meaning: A group of soldiers

अर्थ: सैन्य दल

"A contingent was airlifted to Srinagar."

Airlifted

Meaning: Transported by aircraft

अर्थ: विमान से भेजा गया

"The soldiers were airlifted to Kashmir."

Combat

Meaning: A fight or battle

अर्थ: युद्ध / मुकाबला

"He insisted on joining the combat."

Rumours

Meaning: Unverified information

अर्थ: अफवाहें

"There were rumours of tribal movement."

Altitude

Meaning: Height above sea level

अर्थ: ऊँचाई

"The village was at a higher altitude."

Patrol

Meaning: To guard or monitor an area

अर्थ: गश्त करना

"The soldiers went to patrol the village."

Resistance

Meaning: Opposition to attack

अर्थ: प्रतिरोध

"The company put up stiff resistance."

Distraction

Meaning: Something that diverts attention

अर्थ: ध्यान भटकाना

"The first attack was just a distraction."

Tenacity

Meaning: Persistence and determination

अर्थ: दृढ़ता

"He urged his men to fight with tenacity."

Unparalleled

Meaning: Without equal, unmatched

अर्थ: अद्वितीय

"He displayed unparalleled bravery."

Ammunition

Meaning: Bullets and explosives for weapons

अर्थ: गोला-बारूद

"The soldiers began running out of ammunition."

Mortar

Meaning: A short gun for firing shells

अर्थ: गोलाबारी तोप

"He was killed by a mortar shell."

Reinforcements

Meaning: Extra troops sent to support

अर्थ: मददगार सैनिक / अतिरिक्त सेना

"Reinforcements arrived just in time."

Gallantry

Meaning: Heroic courage in battle

अर्थ: वीरता

"He was awarded for his gallantry."

Posthumously

Meaning: After a person’s death

अर्थ: मरणोपरांत

"He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra."

NCERT Solutions Class 8 English - Poorvi Chapter 2.1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (34 questions)

Q1. What is the full name of the brave soldier this chapter is about?

Q2. On what date did the Battle of Badgam take place?

Q3. Where was Major Somnath Sharma born?

Q4. What award was Major Somnath Sharma posthumously given?

Q5. Which battalion did Major Somnath Sharma belong to?

Q6. What was D Company's mission at Badgam?

Q7. How old was Major Somnath Sharma when he laid down his life?

Q8. How did Major Somnath Sharma die?

Q9. What was Major Somnath Sharma's last radio message about?

Q10. What battle honour was awarded to the 4 KUMAON battalion?

Q11. Despite his right hand being in a cast from an injury why did Major Somnath Sharma continue fighting?

Q12. How did D Company's resistance help India even though they were outnumbered?

Q13. What was the ratio of enemy forces to D Company's strength?

Q14. What was Major Somnath Sharma doing just before he was killed by the mortar shell?

Q15. What effect did D Company's brave resistance have on the enemy?

Q16. What does the citation awarded to Major Somnath Sharma reflect?

Q17. Where is Major Somnath Sharma's name etched in permanent memory?

Q18. What inspired young Somnath Sharma growing up besides his father's military career?

Q19. What is the significance of Major Somnath Sharma being the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

Q20. What does "posthumously" mean in the context of the Param Vir Chakra awarded to Major Somnath Sharma?

Q21. What does Major Somnath Sharma's decision to stay and fight — despite being injured and outnumbered — reveal about his character?

Q22. How does the phrase "fight to the last man and the last round" encapsulate the spirit of D Company's stand?

Q23. What does the chapter suggest about leadership under extreme pressure?

Q24. How did Major Somnath Sharma's sacrifice contribute to saving Srinagar for India?

Q25. What is the broader significance of the Battle of Badgam in the context of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947?

Q26. How does the chapter present Major Somnath Sharma's early life as preparation for his ultimate sacrifice?

Q27. What does the repeated reference to the tricolour flying over Srinagar symbolise in the chapter?

Q28. How does the chapter balance a factual account with emotional tribute?

Q29. Which facts about the Battle of Badgam highlight the extreme odds D Company faced?

Q30. Which details in the chapter show Major Somnath Sharma's personal qualities?

Q31. How does the author's use of Major Somnath Sharma's last radio message as a structural device affect the chapter?

Q32. What is the significance of Major Somnath Sharma having a hand in a cast during the battle?

Q33. How does the chapter connect the sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma to present-day India?

Q34. Which values does the chapter seek to inspire in its readers through Major Somnath Sharma's story?