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A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Extra Question Answer Class 8 English Chapter 4
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Very Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
What was Somnath Sharma’s rank in the army?
Answer:
Somnath Sharma’s rank in the army was major.
Question 2.
What date was the Battle of Badgam fought?
Answer:
The date of the Battle of Badgam was 3rd November 1947.
Question 3.
How many soldiers were in Major Somnath Sharma’s company during the Battle of Badgam?
Answer:
90 soldiers were there in Major Sharma’s company.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Who was Major Somnath Sharma, and what is he remembered for?
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma was a brave Indian Army officer and the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He is remembered for his heroic leadership and supreme sacrifice during the Battle of Badgam in 1947.
Question 2.
What challenge did Major Somnath Sharma face during the battle?
Answer:
He fought with his left hand in plaster due to an injury, yet insisted on leading his men into battle and showed great courage despite being outnumbered.
Question 3.
What was the importance of Badgam village in the battle?
Answer:
Badgam was near the Srinagar airport. Controlling it was vital to protect the airport and allow reinforcements and supplies to reach the Indian troops.
Question 4.
How did Major Somnath Sharma show leadership during the battle?
Answer:
He moved fearlessly across the battlefield, directed fire, filled magazines for gunners, encouraged his men, and requested air strikes to counter the enemy.
Question 5.
What were the consequences of Major Somnath Sharma’s bravery?
Answer:
His actions delayed the enemy for six hours, giving time for reinforcements to arrive and saving Srinagar from being captured.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
What made Major Somnath Sharma’s actions during the battle so courageous and inspiring?
Answer:
Major Sharma’s actions were cou¬rageous because he led from the front, even while being injured. He filled gun magazines for his men, guided air strikes, and inspired his company with his bravery. Even when out¬numbered and under heavy fire, he chose to stay and fight. His last words reflected his un¬shakable sense of duty. His sacrifice shows us the true meaning of courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Question 2.
What was Operation Gulmarg and how did it contribute to the invasion of Kashmir in 1947?
Answer:
After India’s independence in 1947, Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to take control of Kashmir. Despite a peace agreement with the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani forces trained tribal invaders to secretly enter Kashmir and capture important areas. On 22 October 1947, they invaded, aiming to take Srinagar and the airport. In response, India airlifted troops, including Major Somnath Sharma’s company, to defend Kashmir.
Question 3.
Discuss Major Somnath Sharma’s early life and what influenced his career.
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He came from a proud military family—his father was Major General Amar Nath Sharma. He was greatly influenced by the heroic stories of the Mahabharata told by his grandfather. He studied at Sherwood College in Nainital and trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. These early experiences shaped his strong sense of duty and courage.
Question 4.
Why is Major Somnath Sharma’s sacrifice remembered as a turning point in the Indo-Pak War of 1947?
Answer:
His sacrifice is remembered as a turning point because it stopped the enemy from capturing the Srinagar airport, which would have given them control over Kashmir. By delaying the invaders, he allowed Indian forces to regroup and strengthen their position. His leadership and sacrifice saved a vital part of India and inspired future generations of soldiers.
Question 5.
How is Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy honoured today?
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma is honoured as the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military award. His name is etched on the National War Memorial in Delhi. His story is taught in schools, written in history books, and remembered in patriotic events like the Republic Day Parade. His bravery continues to inspire both soldiers and civilians across the country.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
Imagine you are a soldier under Major Somnath Sharma’s command during the Battle of Badgam. How would his words and actions influence your attitude in such a difficult situation?
Answer:
As a soldier, I wmrld feel inspired and motivated by Major Somnath Sharma’s courage and calmness under pressure. His strong leadership and his choice to stay with us even while injured would give me the strength to fight bravely. I would feel proud to follow a leader who values duty and never gives up, even in the face of death.
Question 2.
How can the value of self-sacrifice shown by Major Somnath Sharma be applied in your daily school life?
Answer:
Self-sacrifice in school life can mean helping classmates even if it takes my time, sharing notes or helping someone who is struggling with studies. Like Major Sharma, we can put others’ needs before our own sometimes and do what’s right for the greater good of our class or school.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Extract Based Questions and Answers
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follows:
1. “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…”. (Page 50)
Question 1.
According to the extract, how does Major Somnath Sharma’s bravery and sacrifice serve as an inspiration?
(a) Only through national holidays
(b) Through patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour
(c) By building new monuments
(d) By winning international awards
Answer:
(b) Through patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour
Question 2.
State whether True or False:
Major Somnath Sharma’s name is only remembered by his family members.
Answer:
False-Reason: Major Somnath Sharma’s name is not only cherished by his family but by the entire nation. His name is engraved on one of the stones at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where he is remembered for his valour and bravery. As the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, his legacy continues to inspire generations.
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
Major Somnath Sharma’s bravery and sacrifice stand as a _______ of inspiration for generations.
Answer:
beacon
Question 4.
What is the highest military award in India that Major Somnath Sharma was the first to receive?
Answer:
Param Vir Chakra
2. The events that led- to the Battle of Badgam started in August 1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley. This was in violation of an existing agreement with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, who had committed Pakistan not to attack the state. (Page 51)
Question 1.
When did Pakistan launch ‘Operation Gulmarg’?
(a) July 1947
(b) August 1947
(c) September 1947
(d) October 1947
Answer:
(b) August 1947
Question 2.
State whether True or False:
Pakistan launched ‘Operation Gulmarg’ to legally take over Kashmir.
Answer:
False
Reason: Pakistan did not launch Operation Gulmarg to legally take over Kashmir; rather, it entered Kashmir illegally.
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
Pakistan launched ‘Operation Gulmarg’ to illegally take over Kashmir, breaking an agreement with Maharaja _______ Singh.
Answer:
Hari
Question 4.
What was the name of the operation launched by Pakistan to take over Kashmir?
Answer:
‘Operation Gulmarg’.
3. “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not wit hdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.” (Page 54)
Question 1.
What does Major Somnath Sharma’s statement reflect?
(a) His wish to retreat safely
(b) His loyalty and determination
(c) His fear of losing
(d) His strategy to hide from the enemy
Answer:
(b) His loyalty and determination
Question 2.
State whether True or False:
Major Somnath Sharma decided to surrender because he was outnumbered.
Answer:
False
Reason: Major Somnath Sharma refused to surrender despite being heavily outnumbered. He vowed not to withdraw an inch and pledged to fight to the last man and the last round.
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
Major Somnath Sharma said he would fight to the last man and the last _______.
Answer:
round
Question 4.
Why was the situation described as difficult in the extract?
Answer:
The situation described as difficult in the extract because were the soldiers were outnumbered and under heavy attack.
4. Just a few minutes later, when he was crouched in a trench next to a machine gun operator, in order to help him load the gun, his position was hit by a mortar shell, killing him instantly.
Despite losing their Major and faced with the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, the heroic actions of late Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men to hold on to their position for over six more hours before being overrun by the enemy. (Page 54)
Question 1.
How was Major Somnath Sharma killed?
(a) By a sniper
(b) By a grenade
(c) By a mortar shell
(d) By a bullet
Answer:
(c) by a mortar shell
Question 2.
State whether True or False:
Major Sharma’s death led to his men immediately withdrawing from the battle.
Answer:
False
Reason:
Major Somnath Sharma’s men did not withdraw after his death; rather, his sacrifice inspired them to fight with even greater vigour and force.
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
Major Sharma’s heroic resistance was _______ crucial in saving for India.
Answer:
Srinagar
Question 4.
What key action did Major Sharma’s men achieve by continuing to fight after his death?
Answer:
They delayed the enemy and allowed Indian reinforcements to arrive.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
What was the code name of the operation launched by Pakistan to take over Kashmir?
(a) Operation Vijay
(b) Operation Cactus
(c) Operation Gulmarg
(d) Operation Meghdoot
Question 2.
What famous statement did Major Somnath Sharma make during the battle?
(a) “Give me liberty or give me death!”
(b) “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
(c) “Victory or death!”
(d) “Do or die!”
Question 3.
What was Major Somnath Sharma’s condition when he insisted on leading his company to Srinagar?
(a) He was perfectly healthy.
(b) He had a plastered left hand.
(c) He had a sprained ankle.
(d) He was recovering from a fever.
Question 4.
What was the ultimate impact of Major Sharma’s heroic resistance?
(a) It led to the immediate capture of Srinagar.
(b) It caused a major setback for Indian forces.
(c) It allowed Indian reinforcements to arrive and save Srinagar.
(d) It had no significant impact on the battle.
Question 5.
In which Indian state was Major Somnath Sharma born?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan
Fill in the Blanks
1. His sacrifice allowed the Indian forces to _______ save for India.
2. Major Sharma received the Param Vir Chakra _______. meaning after his death.
3. He was only _______ years old when he made the supreme sacrifice.
4. Major Somnath Sharma’s bravery is remembered through the National War Memorial and patriotic _______.
5. His name is etched in the _______ of history.
State Whether True or False
1. Major Somnath Sharma was 24 years old when he made the supreme sacrifice.
2. The Battle of Badgam was crucial because it helped save the Srinagar airport.
3. Major Somnath Sharma was injured in his right hand during the Battle of Badgam.
4. Major Somnath Sharma’s family had no prior military background.
5. Major Somnath Sharma’s sacrifice allowed his men to immediately retreat from the battle.
Assertion and Reason Question
Two statements are given—Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read them carefully and choose the correct option.
1. Assertion (A): Major Somnath Sharma continued to command his company even with a fractured hand.
Reason (R): He believed that his physical condition was more important than leading his men.
Codes:
(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.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is the full name of the Major whose story is told in the chapter?
Question 2.
What kind of shell tragically killed Major Somnath Sharma?
Question 3.
Which key strategic location was Major Sharma’s company defending near Badgam?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What message do we learn from Major Somnath Sharma’s last words?
Question 2.
What inspired Major Somnath Sharma to join the army?
Question 3.
How did Major Somnath Sharma help guide air strikes during the battle?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What were Major Somnath Sharma’s last words and what do they reveal about his character?
Question 2.
How did Major Somnath Sharma’s actions reflect the true spirit of patriotism?
Competency Based Question
Question 1.
If you were asked to give a speech on Republic Day about a real-life hero, what points from Major Somnath Sharma’s life would you include and why?