StudyOSStudyOS CBSE Study Material, Class 5–12

A Tale of Valour

NCERT Class 8 · English Based on NCERT Class 8 English textbook · Free CBSE study kit

Everything you need to ace this chapter, in one place.
Notes · Mind Map · Quiz · Assertion-Reason · Case Studies · Question Bank · Past Papers

Get Full Study Kit →
Studying with friends? Send them this chapter.

Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter tells the inspiring true story of Major Somnath Sharma, India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and his heroic leadership during the Battle of Badgam in 1947. It is included in the syllabus to instill values of courage, duty, patriotism, and self-sacrifice in students. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that true valour means putting the nation before oneself, even at the cost of one's life, and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when driven by a sense of duty.
Key Concepts (23)
Valour
Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
e.g. When a firefighter runs into a burning building to save a child, that is an act of valour.
Param Vir Chakra
India's highest military award, given for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
e.g. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.
Posthumously
After the death of the person; an award given posthumously is given after the recipient has died.
e.g. Many soldiers receive gallantry awards posthumously because they sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Infiltrators
People who secretly enter a country or area with hostile intent.
e.g. The infiltrators crossed the border at night to avoid detection by the army.
Annex
To take possession of a territory, especially by force.
e.g. Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley in 1947.
Outnumbered
When one side has fewer soldiers or members than the opposing side.
e.g. D Company had only 90 soldiers and was outnumbered by about 500 invaders.
Resolute
Determined and unwavering in purpose.
e.g. Despite heavy fire, Major Somnath and his men stood resolute and refused to retreat.
Tenacity
The quality of being determined and not giving up easily.
e.g. The students showed tenacity by studying late into the night for their exams.
Unparalleled
Having no equal; unmatched.
e.g. Major Somnath displayed unparalleled bravery by moving fearlessly through the battlefield despite his injuries.
Conspicuous
Easily seen or noticed; standing out.
e.g. His act of conspicuous bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
Beacon
A source of inspiration or guidance.
e.g. Major Somnath's story is a beacon of inspiration for generations of soldiers and citizens.
Etched
Permanently fixed in someone's memory.
e.g. The name of Major Somnath Sharma is etched in the annals of Indian military history.
Legacy
Life experiences, values, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
e.g. Major Somnath's legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive.
Testament
Strong evidence or proof of something.
e.g. His life was a testament to discipline and dedication.
Ammunition
A supply of bullets, shells, and explosives used in weapons.
e.g. D Company began running out of ammunition as the battle progressed.
Magazines
Containers that hold cartridges to be fed into a gun.
e.g. Major Somnath filled magazines for his gunners during the battle.
Crouched
Sat with knees bent, usually to stay low or hide.
e.g. Major Somnath was crouched in a trench next to a machine gun operator when he was hit.
Eerily
In a strange, frightening, and mysterious way.
e.g. The valley was eerily silent before the enemy attacked.
Unfounded
Not based on reason or facts; baseless.
e.g. There were unfounded rumours of tribal movement towards Badgam.
Combat
A battle or fight between armed forces.
e.g. Major Somnath insisted on being with his company while in combat.
Despatches
Official reports on military affairs.
e.g. Major Somnath earned mentions in despatches for his bravery during World War II.
Forged
Shaped or strengthened, often through hardship.
e.g. His legacy was truly forged during the Battle of Badgam.
Poignant
Emotionally moving or sad.
e.g. His story is a poignant reminder of the price of freedom.
How It Works
Events Leading to the Battle of Badgam
  1. Step 1: In August 1947, Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley, violating an agreement with Maharaja Hari Singh.
  2. Step 2: Pakistan trained and equipped around 1000 invaders who knew the local terrain to enter Kashmir and capture strategic locations, including the Srinagar airport.
  3. Step 3: On 22 October 1947, Operation Gulmarg was launched and infiltrators invaded Kashmir.
  4. Step 4: On 26 October 1947, the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India.
  5. Step 5: On 27 October 1947, the Government of India sent troops to defend Kashmir and India's borders.
  6. Step 6: On 31 October 1947, D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, under Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
  7. Step 7: On 3 November 1947, D Company was sent to patrol Badgam. Other companies returned, but D Company was the last and expected back by 2:00 p.m.
  8. Step 8: The enemy, seeing only a small group left, attacked. The first attack was a distraction; a major attack followed from another side.
  9. Step 9: Major Somnath requested air strikes and laid ground panels to guide aircraft. The aerial attacks hit the enemy, but D Company was still outnumbered 7 to 1.
  10. Step 10: Running out of ammunition, Major Somnath refused to withdraw, saying he would fight to the last man and last round.
  11. Step 11: A mortar shell hit Major Somnath, killing him instantly. His men held their position for over six more hours before being overrun.
  12. Step 12: The brave resistance provided time for reinforcements to arrive, saving Srinagar for India. The enemy suffered over 300 casualties.
💡 Students often confuse the dates. Remember: 22 Oct (Operation Gulmarg launched), 26 Oct (Kashmir joins India), 27 Oct (Indian troops sent), 31 Oct (D Company arrives), 3 Nov (Battle of Badgam).
How Major Somnath Sharma's Leadership Saved Srinagar
  1. Step 1: Major Somnath insisted on being with his company despite his left hand being in plaster, showing commitment to his men.
  2. Step 2: He correctly visualised that the first enemy attack was a distraction and prepared for the major attack.
  3. Step 3: He requested air strikes and bravely laid ground panels to guide aircraft, even under fire.
  4. Step 4: He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines, and encouraging his men.
  5. Step 5: When asked to pull back due to low ammunition, he refused, saying he would not withdraw an inch.
  6. Step 6: His sacrifice motivated his men to hold their position for over six more hours, allowing reinforcements to arrive.
  7. Step 7: The enemy suffered over 300 casualties and was demotivated, ensuring Srinagar remained with India.
💡 The key point is that his leadership and sacrifice bought crucial time for reinforcements. Without that delay, Srinagar might have fallen.
Subject-Verb Agreement (Grammar Concept)
  1. Step 1: Identify the subject of the sentence (who or what is doing the action).
  2. Step 2: Determine if the subject is singular or plural.
  3. Step 3: Choose the verb form that matches the subject in number (singular verb for singular subject, plural verb for plural subject).
  4. Step 4: Be careful with tricky subjects like 'each of', 'neither...nor', 'either...or', collective nouns, and phrases like 'a bouquet of flowers'.
💡 Students often make mistakes with collective nouns (e.g., 'a battalion of soldiers stands' — battalion is singular, so verb is 'stands'). Also, with 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing 'Posthumously' with 'Postponed'
✗ Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, meaning the award was postponed.
→ Posthumously means 'after death', not 'postponed'. Students confuse the sound of the word with 'postpone'.
✓ Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, meaning the award was given after his death.
⚠ Mixing Up 'Annex' and 'Annexe'
✗ Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annexe the Kashmir Valley.
→ The correct verb is 'annex' (to take possession of territory). 'Annexe' is a noun meaning a building attached to a main building.
✓ Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley.
⚠ Thinking Major Somnath Withdrew
✗ Major Somnath Sharma withdrew his troops when they ran out of ammunition.
→ The text clearly states he refused to withdraw. He said, 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.'
✓ Major Somnath Sharma refused to withdraw despite being outnumbered and low on ammunition. He chose to fight to the last.
⚠ Confusing 'Infiltration' with 'Invasion'
✗ The Pakistani army openly invaded Kashmir in August 1947.
→ The text says infiltrators (people who secretly invade) were used. It was not an open invasion by the regular army at first. The infiltrators were trained and backed by Pakistan but entered secretly.
✓ Pakistan trained and equipped infiltrators who secretly entered Kashmir to capture strategic locations.
⚠ Misreading 'Outnumbered' as 'Outrun'
✗ The Indian soldiers were outrun by the enemy.
→ 'Outnumbered' means the enemy had more soldiers. 'Outrun' means to run faster. The two words are different.
✓ D Company was outnumbered by almost seven to one, meaning there were seven enemy soldiers for every one Indian soldier.
Compare & Contrast
Level of award
Param Vir Chakra
Maha Vir Chakra
Param Vir Chakra is the highest military award for the most conspicuous bravery, while Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest award for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Nature of event
Operation Gulmarg
Battle of Badgam
Operation Gulmarg was the overall Pakistani plan launched in August 1947 to annex Kashmir, while the Battle of Badgam was a specific battle fought on 3 November 1947 as part of that operation, where Major Somnath Sharma and his men defended the Srinagar airport.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Very Short Answer (1 mark), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks), and grammar exercises (2-3 marks)
Most asked: Major Somnath Sharma's last words and what they reflect about his sense of duty · Significance of the Param Vir Chakra and why Major Somnath was its first recipient · Chronological order of events leading to the Battle of Badgam · Values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma (courage, duty, self-sacrifice) and their application in daily life · Subject-verb agreement exercises
Don't skip: Long answer question on Major Somnath's leadership and sacrifice (5 marks); Short answer on his last words and their meaning (3 marks); Chronological ordering of events (3 marks)
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Major Somnath Sharma was India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.
  2. The Battle of Badgam was fought on 3 November 1947 between 90 soldiers of D Company and about 500 infiltrators.
  3. Major Somnath's left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on leading his men into combat.
  4. His last words were: 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.'
  5. Major Somnath was killed instantly by a mortar shell while helping a machine gun operator load the gun.
  6. Despite losing their commander, his men held their position for over six more hours, allowing reinforcements to arrive.
  7. The enemy suffered over 300 casualties, and Srinagar was saved for India.
  8. Param Vir Chakra means 'Wheel of the Ultimate Brave' and is India's highest gallantry award.
  9. Operation Gulmarg was launched by Pakistan in August 1947 to annex the Kashmir Valley.
  10. Kashmir became a part of India on 26 October 1947.
  11. Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
  12. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, served the nation with distinction.
  13. Young Somnath was inspired by valorous tales from the Mahabharata told by his grandfather.
  14. The 4 Kumaon battalion was awarded the Battle Honour 'Srinagar' for their sacrifice.
  15. Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural).

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. Who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

  • A. Major Somnath Sharma ✓
  • B. Maharaja Hari Singh
  • C. A Punjab regiment commander
  • D. An unknown soldier from Badgam

Answer: A — The text explicitly states that Major Somnath Sharma was India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

Q2. In what month and year was the Battle of Badgam fought?

  • A. August 1947
  • B. October 1947
  • C. November 1947 ✓
  • D. December 1947

Answer: C — The battle took place on 3 November 1947, as clearly mentioned in the text.

Q3. What was Operation Gulmarg?

  • A. An Indian military operation to defend Kashmir
  • B. Pakistan's plan to annex the Kashmir Valley ✓
  • C. A training program for Indian soldiers
  • D. A supply route through mountain passes

Answer: B — The text states that Operation Gulmarg was launched by Pakistan in August 1947 to annex the Kashmir Valley.

Q4. How many soldiers did Major Somnath Sharma command in the D Company?

  • A. 50 soldiers
  • B. 90 soldiers ✓
  • C. 150 soldiers
  • D. 200 soldiers

Answer: B — The text clearly states that D Company had 90 soldiers under Major Somnath Sharma's command.

Q5. Why was Badgam village strategically important for the Indian forces?

  • A. It was the capital of Kashmir
  • B. It was on higher altitude than the airport and controlled access to Srinagar airfield ✓
  • C. It had large reserves of weapons and ammunition
  • D. It was the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment

Answer: B — The text explains that Badgam was on higher altitude than the airfield and its control was essential to protect troops and supply routes.

Q6. What physical condition was Major Somnath Sharma in when he joined the D Company in Srinagar?

  • A. He had a broken right leg
  • B. His left hand was in plaster ✓
  • C. He had a severe head injury
  • D. He was completely fit and healthy

Answer: B — The text states that Major Somnath Sharma's left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on being with his company during combat.

Q7. Which of the following is NOT a quality displayed by Major Somnath Sharma during the battle? (A) Tactical thinking to recognise the distraction attack (B) Willingness to retreat when facing superior numbers (C) Courage to lay ground panels for air strikes (D) Commitment to encourage his soldiers

  • A. Tactical thinking to recognise the distraction attack
  • B. Willingness to retreat when facing superior numbers ✓
  • C. Courage to lay ground panels for air strikes
  • D. Commitment to encourage his soldiers

Answer: B — Major Somnath Sharma refused to retreat, saying he would fight to the last man and last round, so willingness to retreat is incorrect.

Q8. When Major Somnath Sharma was asked by Brigade headquarters to pull back due to low ammunition, what was his response?

  • A. He agreed immediately to save his soldiers
  • B. He asked for more time to gather ammunition
  • C. He refused, saying he would fight to the last man and last round ✓
  • D. He requested immediate evacuation by air

Answer: C — The text provides his exact words: 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.'

Q9. How were Major Somnath Sharma's D Company soldiers able to continue fighting for six more hours after their commander's death despite being heavily outnumbered?

  • A. Reinforcements from the Punjab regiment arrived immediately
  • B. The enemy decided to stop attacking and retreat
  • C. His leadership and bravery inspired them to hold their ground ✓
  • D. They received additional ammunition from the headquarters

Answer: C — The text states that Major's heroic actions motivated his men to hold their position for six more hours, showing the impact of his leadership and courage.

Q10. Why did the Indian government air-lift troops to Srinagar instead of using the land route through Pathankot?

  • A. The land route was completely destroyed by Pakistan
  • B. The land route through Pathankot was not in good condition ✓
  • C. To save time and deploy soldiers faster
  • D. Pakistan had blocked all ground routes with military checkpoints

Answer: B — The text specifically mentions that the land route through Pathankot was not in good condition, so troops were airlifted to Srinagar instead.

Flashcards

Who was Major Somnath Sharma?

India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra who died defending Srinagar airport with 90 soldiers against 500 invaders on 3 November 1947.

What was Operation Gulmarg?

Pakistan's plan launched in August 1947 to annex Kashmir Valley by training and sending 1000 infiltrators to capture strategic locations including Srinagar airport.

Why was Badgam village strategically important?

It was located on higher altitude than Srinagar airport and was the only access route, making it crucial to protect incoming supplies and troops.

What did Major Somnath Sharma say when asked to pull back?

He refused to withdraw, saying 'The enemy is only 50 yards from us...I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.'

How many soldiers did Major Somnath Sharma command in the battle?

He commanded D Company with 90 soldiers who faced approximately 500 tribal invaders under Pakistani army command.

What physical condition was Major Somnath Sharma in before the battle?

His left hand was in plaster due to injury, but he insisted on fighting with his company rather than staying behind.

How did air strikes help in the battle?

Major Somnath Sharma bravely laid out ground panels to guide aircraft towards invaders, though the enemy still greatly outnumbered his company.

What happened to Major Somnath Sharma during the battle?

He was killed instantly when a mortar shell hit his position as he was crouching next to a machine gun operator helping load the gun.

How did Major Somnath Sharma's death affect his soldiers?

Despite losing their commander and being overwhelmed by enemy numbers, his men held their position for six more hours, buying time for reinforcements.

When did Operation Gulmarg begin and when was the Battle of Badgam fought?

Operation Gulmarg was launched on 22 October 1947, and the Battle of Badgam took place on 3 November 1947.

Important Board Questions

Define the term 'valour' as used in the context of Major Somnath Sharma's actions. [2 marks]

Look for the definition provided in the glossary and explain how Major Somnath's refusal to withdraw despite being outnumbered demonstrates this quality.

Explain why the Battle of Badgam was strategically important for protecting India's interests in Kashmir. What role did Major Somnath Sharma's stand play in this? [3 marks]

Consider Badgam's location relative to Srinagar airport, the enemy's objective, and how holding the position for six more hours allowed reinforcements to arrive and prevent Pakistani control.

Analyse Major Somnath Sharma's character and leadership qualities based on his actions during the Battle of Badgam. How did his sacrifice inspire his soldiers and contribute to India's defence of Kashmir? [5 marks]

Examine his commitment (fighting despite plaster on hand), tactical awareness (recognising the distraction attack, calling air strikes), his refusal to retreat despite heavy casualties, and how his bravery motivated soldiers to continue fighting for six hours after his death, ultimately securing time for reinforcements and preventing Kashmir's annexation.

Assertion-Reason Questions for A Tale of Valour

Q1. Assertion (A):

Major Somnath Sharma was unable to fight effectively during the Battle of Badgam because his left hand was in plaster.

Reason (R):

The passage states that despite having his left hand in plaster, he insisted on being with his company and displayed unparalleled bravery throughout the battle.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false—his injury did not prevent him from fighting effectively. The reason is true and actually contradicts the assertion, showing he fought well despite his condition. This makes C correct (assertion false, reason true).

Q2. Assertion (A):

The Battle of Badgam resulted in Indian forces maintaining control of the village throughout the conflict.

Reason (R):

D Company held their position for over six hours after Major Somnath Sharma's death before being overrun by the overwhelming enemy force.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — Both the assertion and reason are false. The passage states D Company was eventually 'overrun by the enemy,' meaning they lost control of the position. The reason incorrectly suggests they maintained the position by eventually being overrun.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Operation Gulmarg was a violation of Pakistan's existing agreement with the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reason (R):

Pakistan had committed to the Maharaja Hari Singh not to attack the state, but instead trained and equipped invaders to capture the Kashmir Valley.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why Operation Gulmarg was a violation—Pakistan broke its promise by launching an unauthorized military operation despite the agreement.

Unlock more Assertion-Reason questions in Premium — unlock →

Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for A Tale of Valour

Case Study:

On 3 November 1947, Indian forces detected unusual tribal movement toward the village of Badgam near Srinagar airport. The village's strategic importance was undeniable: it sat at a higher altitude than the airfield, and all access routes to the airport passed through it. Military commanders recognized that controlling Badgam was essential to protect incoming soldiers and supply deliveries via air. However, intelligence had been incomplete—the enemy had deliberately arrived in small groups over several days to avoid detection. By afternoon, when Major Somnath Sharma's D Company was patrolling the area, the enemy was ready to launch a coordinated assault.

Q1. Why was the village of Badgam strategically important to Indian forces?

  • A. It contained the main Srinagar airport terminal
  • B. It was at a higher altitude than the airfield and controlled access routes; it was necessary to protect incoming troops and supplies ✓
  • C. It was the capital city of Kashmir
  • D. It had large weapons storage facilities

Answer: B

Q2. What tactical advantage did the enemy gain by arriving in small groups?

  • A. They could move faster through mountain passes
  • B. They avoided detection and accumulated forces without alerting Indian intelligence ✓
  • C. They could communicate with each other more easily
  • D. They reduced the need for food and supplies

Answer: B

Q3. According to the passage, when did the enemy prepare to launch their main assault?

  • A. In the early morning of 3 November
  • B. During the night of 2 November
  • C. By the afternoon when D Company was patrolling the area ✓
  • D. Before the Indian forces arrived in Srinagar

Answer: C

Q4. What does this passage suggest about the importance of intelligence in military operations?

  • A. Intelligence is never accurate and cannot be trusted
  • B. Air support is more important than ground intelligence
  • C. Enemies always reveal their positions eventually
  • D. Complete and timely intelligence is crucial; incomplete information can leave forces vulnerable ✓

Answer: D

Unlock more case studies in Premium — unlock →

Next chapterSomebody's Mother →
Found this useful? Share it with your class group.

You've seen the free preview. Open the full interactive study kit — mind map, instant-graded quiz, progress tracking — free, no sign-in required.

Open Full Study Kit — Free →

Premium unlocks the full Question Bank, Daily Practice Papers, Chapter Quiz and Full Mock Papers for every chapter.