A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Important Question For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th
1. Who was Major Somnath Sharma?
Answer: Major Somnath Sharma was an Indian Army officer and the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Badgam in 1947.
2. When and where was Major Somnath Sharma born?
Answer: He was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
3. What was Operation Gulmarg?
Answer: Operation Gulmarg was a plan launched by Pakistan in August 1947 to annex Kashmir by sending trained infiltrators to capture key locations, including the Srinagar airport.
4. Why was Badgam village important during the battle?
Answer: Badgam was located at a higher altitude than the airfield, making it a strategic point for controlling access to Srinagar and protecting supplies arriving by air.
5. How many soldiers did Major Somnath Sharma lead in the Battle of Badgam?
Answer: He led 90 soldiers of D Company, 4 Kumaon Regiment.
6. How many enemy infiltrators did the soldiers face?
Answer: They fought against about 500 infiltrators backed by the Pakistani army.
7. What was Major Somnath Sharma’s condition during the battle?
Answer: His left hand was in plaster due to an injury, but he still insisted on leading his men into battle.
8. What were his famous last words?
Answer: “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
9. How did Major Somnath Sharma die?
Answer: He was killed instantly when a mortar shell hit his position while he was helping load a machine gun.
10. What was the outcome of the soldiers’ resistance?
Answer: Their brave stand delayed the enemy long enough for reinforcements to arrive and save Srinagar.
11. What award was given to Major Somnath Sharma?
Answer: He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously for his bravery and sacrifice.
12. How old was Major Somnath Sharma when he died?
Answer: He was 24 years old.
13. What values are shown by Major Somnath Sharma’s actions?
Answer: His actions show courage, patriotism, duty, and self-sacrifice.
14. Why does Major Somnath’s story continue to inspire people?
Answer: His bravery, leadership, and sacrifice for the nation remind people of the high ideals of service and love for the country.
15. What honour did his battalion receive?
Answer: The 4 Kumaon Regiment was awarded the Battle Honour of Srinagar for their heroic role in the battle.
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