EnglishCBSE Class 8 · Chapter 4

A Tale of Valour Class 8: Major Somnath Sharma, Summary and Questions

Updated 15 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A Tale of Valour, in Poorvi Unit 2, tells how Major Somnath Sharma led about 90 soldiers of D Company, 4 Kumaon, against some 500 Pakistan-backed infiltrators at Badgam on 3 November 1947. He refused to retreat, died in the battle, helped save Srinagar airport and became the first Param Vir Chakra awardee.

What A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam is about

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam opens Unit 2 (Values and Dispositions) of Poorvi, the Class 8 English textbook. It is a non-fiction tribute to India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the country's highest award for bravery in the presence of the enemy.

The lesson explains the background (Pakistan's Operation Gulmarg to take the Kashmir Valley in 1947), the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947, Major Somnath's last message, and then looks back at his early life, training and earlier service. It ends by reminding us of the price of freedom and how his name is honoured at the National War Memorial.

Key values: courage, leadership, duty, patriotism and self-sacrifice.

CBSE sets no Class 8 paper; your school sets the exam. Expect extract questions, short answers on events and his qualities, long answers on leadership and values, grammar (phrases such as 'hold their ground', collective nouns, 'over-' verbs, noun/verb pairs like advice/advise, subject-verb agreement) and a formal letter of enquiry.

Weightage: CBSE sets no Class 8 English paper or marks: Class 8 is assessed by your school, which teaches from NCERT Poorvi. School papers usually mix extract questions, short answers (about 40-50 words) and longer answers (about 100-150 words), plus grammar and writing from the "Let us learn" and "Let us write" sections.Source: docs/research/cbse-8-2026-27.md (NCERT book list, Reprint 2026-27)

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

In our own words, in the order of the text. Read the NCERT text itself too: the board quotes from it.

A tribute. The lesson begins with lines from a patriotic song and calls Major Somnath Sharma India's first Param Vir Chakra recipient, whose memory is honoured through the National War Memorial, songs, books and national celebrations. His courage reminds us of the price paid for freedom.

Background to the battle. In August 1947, Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to seize the Kashmir Valley, breaking its commitment to Maharaja Hari Singh not to attack the state. Around 1000 invaders, trained and armed by the Pakistani Army and familiar with the mountain passes, were to capture key places such as Srinagar airport, cause a revolt and take over the region. The operation was launched on 22 October; the state became part of India on 26 October 1947, and Indian troops were sent on 27 October, flown into Srinagar because the road through Pathankot was in poor condition.

D Company arrives. On 31 October, D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, led by Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar. His left hand was in plaster, yet he insisted on going with his men. Badgam village, under 5 km from the airport and on higher ground, controlled access to the airfield, so it had to be held.

The Battle of Badgam (3 November 1947). Several companies patrolled the area; the day was strangely quiet. By afternoon, the others had been called back, and D Company, about 90 soldiers, was the last. The enemy attacked. Major Somnath rightly guessed the first attack was a distraction, and soon a larger attack came from another side: 90 men now faced about 500. He called for air strikes and laid out ground panels to guide the planes. Though outnumbered about seven to one and under heavy fire, he moved across the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for gunners and encouraging his men. Running out of ammunition and asked to pull back, he replied that he would not withdraw an inch. Minutes later, while helping a machine-gunner load, he was killed by a mortar shell.

Result. Inspired by him, his men held on for over six more hours, giving time for reinforcements, including soldiers of the Punjab regiment, to be flown in. The enemy suffered more than 300 casualties. Their stand helped save Srinagar for India. 4 KUMAON received the Battle Honour, Srinagar, and Major Somnath, aged 24, was awarded the PVC posthumously.

Early life. Born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), he came from a military family: his father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served with distinction, and his grandfather told him stories of valour from the Mahabharata. He studied at Sherwood College, Nainital, trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, was commissioned in 1942 and served in the Arakan Campaign in Burma during World War II, where he was mentioned in despatches.

Conclusion. His sacrifice kept the tricolour flying over Srinagar; his name is on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial, and his story will keep inspiring future generations.

Themes and message

Courage and self-sacrifice

Major Somnath fought on despite an injured hand, heavy fire and being hugely outnumbered, and gave his life so that Srinagar could be saved.

From the text: 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round'

Leadership by example

He chose to be with his men, moved among them under fire, helped load guns and kept up their spirit. Even after his death, his example made his men hold on for hours.

From the text: 'if they are going into action, they are not going in without me'

Duty and patriotism

His life shows the highest ideals of duty, honour and love for the nation, and reminds us of the countless soldiers who defend the motherland.

From the text: 'the ultimate price paid for our freedom'

Remembering heroes

The lesson stresses that such sacrifices must never be forgotten: memorials, songs, stories and awards keep the memory alive for future generations.

From the text: 'His name is etched on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial.'

Characters

Major Somnath Sharma, PVC

Commander of D Company, 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment; India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.

Brave and determined (fought with an injured hand; refused to retreat)
Caring leader who stood by his men
Quick thinker: saw the first attack was a distraction; called air strikes
Selfless and patriotic

'Major Somnath correctly visualised that the first attack was just a distraction.'

The soldiers of D Company

About 90 men who fought at Badgam.

Loyal and courageous
Held their position for over six hours after losing their commander

'hold on to their position for over six more hours'

Major General Amar Nath Sharma and Somnath's grandfather

Family influences on young Somnath.

Father: served the nation with distinction
Grandfather: shared valorous tales of the Mahabharata

'His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction.'

How it is written

Device	Example	Effect
Repetition	'forever alive, forever alive…'	Stresses that his legacy will never die and gives the tribute an emotional, song-like tone.
Contrast (numbers)	90 men against about 500 infiltrators; outnumbered almost seven to one	Highlights how extraordinary the courage of D Company was.
Vivid imagery	'The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle'	Helps the reader feel the chaos and danger of the battlefield.
Direct speech	His message to Brigade headquarters	Lets readers hear his own words, making his determination real and moving.

Key quotations

Short lines worth knowing by heart: who says them, when, and why they matter.

if they are going into action, they are not going in without me
Major Somnath Sharma: To his senior officers, insisting on going with his company despite a plastered left hand.
Shows commitment to his men and leadership from the front.
Major Somnath correctly visualised that the first attack was just a distraction
Narrator: During the first enemy attack at Badgam.
Shows his sharp military judgement.
I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round
Major Somnath Sharma: His last message to Brigade headquarters when told to pull back.
Expresses supreme courage and duty; the line he is remembered for.
D Company’s sacrifice and Major Somnath’s leadership saved Srinagar for India
Narrator: The outcome of the battle.
Shows the strategic importance of their stand.
a poignant reminder of the price of freedom
Narrator: Conclusion of the lesson.
Links one soldier's sacrifice to our freedom today.

Key concepts

Timeline of events

Learn the order; school papers often ask you to sequence events.

31 Jan 1923: born in Dadh, Kangra.
Sherwood College, Nainital, then Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
1942: commissioned (8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment); served in World War II (Arakan, Burma).
Aug 1947: Pakistan plans Operation Gulmarg; 22 Oct it is launched.
26 Oct 1947: Jammu and Kashmir becomes part of India; 27 Oct Indian troops sent.
31 Oct: D Company, 4 Kumaon, flown into Srinagar.
3 Nov 1947: Battle of Badgam; Major Somnath killed; men hold for over six hours.
Awarded PVC posthumously (first ever recipient).

Worked example

Which came first: D Company being flown into Srinagar, or Jammu and Kashmir becoming part of India?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

J&K became part of India on 26 October 1947.
D Company was flown in on 31 October.

Answer: Jammu and Kashmir becoming part of India came first (26 October); D Company arrived on 31 October.

Expressions and 'over-' verbs

Expressions from the text:

fight to the last man: keep fighting until every soldier has fallen.
foil the plan: stop a plan from succeeding.
deliver a blow: cause sudden damage or a setback.
hold their ground: stay in position and refuse to give way.

'Over-' verbs: overthrow (remove from power by force), overrun (spread over or occupy in large numbers), overwhelm (overpower, especially emotionally). Others: overcome, overlook, overhear, overtake, overestimate.

Worked example

Fill in: The goalkeeper's brilliant save ______ the striker's ______ to win the match. (foil, plan)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Past tense needed: foiled.
Possessive: striker's plan.

Answer: The goalkeeper's brilliant save foiled the striker's plan to win the match.

Collective nouns and subject-verb agreement

Armed-forces collective nouns: contingent (a group of troops sent together), company (a unit within a battalion), battalion (a large body of troops ready for battle, often infantry), regiment (a permanent army unit made up of several companies), squadron (a small air force unit of aircraft and crews), fleet (a group of ships).

Subject-verb agreement: the verb agrees with the real subject.

A collective noun as one unit takes a singular verb: 'A contingent of troops was airlifted.'
'One of / Each of / Neither of' + plural noun -> singular verb: 'One of the players was injured.'
'A pair of', 'a bouquet of' -> singular: 'A pair of gloves is missing.'
'Either/Neither ... or/nor': the verb agrees with the nearer subject: 'Neither the coach nor the players were ready.'
Some nouns ending in -s are singular: 'Physics is fun.'

Worked example

Correct the sentence: 'A squadron of jets fly over the parade every year.'

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Real subject: 'a squadron' (one unit).
Singular subject -> singular verb.

Answer: A squadron of jets flies over the parade every year.

Noun and verb pairs (c / s) and British spelling

In British English, many pairs use c for the noun and s for the verb:

advice (n.) / advise (v.)
practice (n.) / practise (v.)
device (n.) / devise (v.)

Trick: 'ice' is a thing (noun); 'ise' is an action (verb).

Also note council (a group that makes decisions) and counsel (advice; to advise).

Defence is the British spelling preferred in India (the American spelling ends in -se). Use British spellings throughout your answers: honour, colour, organise, recognise.

Worked example

Fill in: The coach gave us useful ______ and told us to ______ every evening. (advice/advise; practice/practise)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

After 'useful': a thing -> noun: advice.
After 'to': an action -> verb: practise.

Answer: The coach gave us useful advice and told us to practise every evening.

Letter of enquiry

A letter of enquiry is a formal letter asking for specific information (a course, a trip, an event). Format: sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation (Dear Sir/Madam), body, 'Yours sincerely' (the book's layout), name and designation.

Body: (1) purpose of writing; (2) specific questions, numbered or linked with Firstly/Secondly/Lastly; (3) request for an early reply and thanks. Use polite forms: 'Could you please...?', 'I would be grateful if...'.

Worked example

Write a letter of enquiry to the Curator of the State Museum about a guided visit and a workshop for your class.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Para 1: who you are and why you write.
Para 2: dates, length of the tour, fees, workshop, rules for groups.
Para 3: request early reply.

Answer: Green Valley School, Shimla / 12 August 20XX / / The Curator / State Museum, Shimla / / Subject: Enquiry about a guided visit for students / / Dear Sir/Madam, / / This is to enquire about arranging a guided visit to the State Museum for 45 students of Class 8 and three teachers. / / Firstly, could you please tell us which dates in September are available for school groups? Secondly, I would be grateful to know how long a guided tour lasts and whether there is an entry fee for students. I would also like to know if the museum runs a short hands-on workshop for school groups. Lastly, kindly share any rules students must follow, such as those on photography. / / An early reply will help us plan the trip. Thank you for your help. / / Yours sincerely, / Riya Thakur / Head Girl

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam in real life

Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Leading from the front

Suppose you are captain of your school's football team, and you have a sprained wrist before a tough match.

What would Major Somnath's example suggest, and what is the sensible limit?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

He stayed with his men despite his plastered hand.
A captain can lead by encouraging, organising and supporting.
But follow medical advice; leadership is not only playing.

Answer: Like Major Somnath, I can stay with my team, cheer them, plan tactics and keep spirits up. Unlike a battle for the nation, a school match does not need me to risk injury, so I would support from the touchline if the doctor says so.

Memory hook: Lead with presence, not just power.

Holding your ground

Imagine your friends are pressuring you to copy answers in a test, and you are the only one refusing.

How does 'hold their ground' apply here?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Being outnumbered does not make the majority right.
Stay calm and firm.
Your example may encourage others.

Answer: Like D Company facing far bigger numbers, I can hold my ground even when outnumbered. I would calmly refuse to cheat. Standing firm for what is right takes courage, and my example might help others refuse too.

Memory hook: Outnumbered is not outvoted on right and wrong.

Writing an enquiry letter

Say your class wants to visit the National War Memorial in Delhi and you are asked to write for details.

What should your letter include so you get a useful reply?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Clear subject line and purpose.
Specific numbered questions (dates, timing, fee, rules).
Polite request for an early reply.

Answer: My letter would state that 40 Class 8 students and teachers wish to visit, then ask clearly about available dates, tour length, any fees and rules for groups, and end by requesting an early reply. Specific questions get specific answers.

Memory hook: Vague asks get vague answers.

Topics in this chapter

A Tale of Valour: The Battle of Badgam and Leadership

How the school exam asks A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.

Question type	How it is asked	Method
Extract-based (5 x 1 mark)	A paragraph from the lesson with MCQs, inference, assertion-reason, word meanings and true/false.	Answer from the extract; use the margin meanings (resolute = determined, tenacity = determination).
Short answer (2 marks, 40-50 words)	Why was Badgam important? What did his last message show? Why was the first attack a distraction?	Direct answer first, then one fact (date, number or quote).
Long answer (5 marks, 100-150 words)	Character sketch; leadership; how we can apply courage and duty in daily life; diary entry of a soldier.	Three qualities, each backed by an event; link to values today.
Sequencing events	Arrange events of his life and the battle in order.	Use the timeline: birth, training, commission, Operation Gulmarg, arrival, battle, award.
Grammar and writing	Expressions, collective nouns, 'over-' verbs, advice/advise pairs, subject-verb agreement; letter of enquiry.	Find the real subject before choosing the verb; follow the letter layout.

Tricks to remember A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

Key numbers
'90 vs 500, 7 to 1, 6 hours, 300 down, age 24': D Company strength, enemy, ratio, time held after his death, enemy casualties, his age.
Use it when: Fact-based questions.
Key dates
'26-27-31-3': J&K joins India 26 Oct; troops sent 27 Oct; D Company lands 31 Oct; battle 3 Nov 1947.
Use it when: Timeline and sequencing.
c and s
'ICE is a thing, ISE is doing': advice, practice, device (nouns); advise, practise, devise (verbs).
Use it when: Spelling grammar items.
His education path
'Sher to Sand': Sherwood College, Nainital, then Sandhurst.
Use it when: Early-life questions.

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam: extract-based questions

Read the extract, answer every part on paper, then open the answers.

Extract 1: D Company flies to 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

(1) · 1 mark · MCQ
Why is it remarkable that Major Somnath went with his company?
(a) He was on leave (b) His left hand was in plaster (c) He was not trained (d) He had been transferred
(2) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Which word in the extract means 'a battle'?
(3) · 1 mark · Short answer
He then told his senior officers that he knew his men better than anyone, and that if they were going into action, they were not going without him. What does his statement to his senior officers reveal about him?
(4) · 1 mark · MCQ
Just before this, on 31 October, D Company of the 4th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar. Assertion (A): D Company was flown into Srinagar.
Reason (R): The land route through Pathankot was not in a good condition.
(a) Both true; R explains A (b) Both true; R does not explain A (c) A true, R false (d) A false, R true
(5) · 1 mark · Very short answer
True or false: Major Somnath expected the mission to be easy.

Show the answersAnswers

(b) His left hand was in plaster
combat
He is a loyal, caring leader who will not let his men face danger without him.
(a) Both true; R explains A
False: he knew it would be very challenging.

Extract 2: The last message

Aware of the gravity of the situation, he responded with the words, “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”.

(1) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Just before this, as the battle went on, Major Sharma reported a problem to Brigade headquarters and was asked to pull back. What problem did D Company face as the battle went on?
(2) · 1 mark · MCQ
'Gravity of the situation' means:
(a) the pull of the earth (b) the seriousness of the situation (c) the height of the hill (d) the weight of the guns
(3) · 1 mark · Short answer
Why did he refuse to pull back even though he was asked to?
(4) · 1 mark · MCQ
The three short sentences before his final promise create a sense of:
(a) humour (b) urgency and danger (c) boredom (d) confusion
(5) · 1 mark · Very short answer
Which expression in the extract means 'keep fighting until no one is left'?

Show the answersAnswers

It was running out of ammunition.
(b) the seriousness of the situation
Retreating would let the enemy reach Srinagar airport; holding on bought time for reinforcements.
(b) urgency and danger
'fight to the last man'

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam: exam-level solved questions

Ordered from exam level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.

Example 1: Why Badgam mattered · 2 marks · Short answerExam level

Why was it important for Indian forces to hold Badgam? Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Under 5 km from Srinagar airport.
Higher than the airfield; access through the village.
Protect troops and air supplies.

Answer: Badgam was less than 5 kilometres from Srinagar airport and on higher ground, and the way to the airfield passed through it. Whoever held the village could threaten the airport. India had to keep it to protect its troops and the supplies arriving by air.

Example 2: A clever reading of the enemy · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level

How did Major Somnath show sharp judgement as well as courage during the battle? Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Guessed the first attack was a distraction.
Requested air strikes; laid ground panels.

Answer: He rightly realised that the enemy's first attack was only a distraction, and soon a bigger attack came from another side. Seeing that his small force could not hold out alone, he called for air strikes and bravely laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft.

Example 3: The value of six hours · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

D Company was finally overrun. Can the battle still be called a success? Give reasons. Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Held for six more hours.
Time for reinforcements (Punjab regiment flown in).
Enemy lost 300+; Srinagar saved.

Answer: Yes. Although overrun, D Company held the enemy for over six more hours, giving time for reinforcements to be flown into Srinagar. The enemy lost more than 300 men and was demoralised. The real aim, saving the airport and Srinagar, was achieved.

Example 4: The beacon metaphor · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level

The lesson says his bravery and sacrifice 'stand as a beacon of inspiration'. Explain this metaphor and why it suits Major Somnath. Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Beacon = a guiding light (margin: a source of inspiration).
His courage guides later generations; it suits him because his example kept his men fighting.

Answer: A beacon is a guiding light that shows others the way. Calling his bravery a beacon means it guides later generations of soldiers and citizens. It suits him because he led from the front even in death: his example kept his men fighting for six more hours.

Example 5: Character sketch · 5 marks · Long answerHarder exam level

Write a character sketch of Major Somnath Sharma based on the lesson. Answer in 100-150 words. (5 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Introduction: first PVC awardee, 4 Kumaon.
Courage and duty: plaster cast; refusal to withdraw.
Leadership: with his men, filling magazines, encouraging.
Judgement: distraction; air strikes.
Legacy: men held six hours; inspiration.

Answer: Major Somnath Sharma of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, was India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee. He was extraordinarily brave and devoted to duty: though his left hand was in plaster, he insisted on going into action with his company. He was a caring leader who believed he knew his men best and would not let them fight without him. At Badgam he showed sharp judgement, spotting that the first attack was a distraction and calling in air strikes. Under heavy fire he moved among his soldiers, directing fire, filling magazines and encouraging them. When asked to pull back, he refused to withdraw an inch, and he died soon after. His example kept his men fighting for six more hours and helped save Srinagar. He remains a symbol of courage and selfless patriotism.

Example 6: Writing his citation · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

A citation is the short official statement that explains why an award is given. Using facts from the lesson, write a citation for Major Somnath Sharma's Param Vir Chakra. Answer in 100-150 words. (5 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Name, unit, date and place of the action.
Situation: plastered hand; 90 men against about 500; the first attack a distraction.
Actions: air strikes, ground panels, directing fire, filling magazines, refusing to withdraw.
Sacrifice: killed by a mortar shell while helping a machine-gun operator.
Result: men held over six more hours; reinforcements arrived; Srinagar saved.

Answer: Major Somnath Sharma of D Company, 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, is awarded the Param Vir Chakra (posthumously) for conspicuous bravery at Badgam on 3 November 1947. Though his left hand was in plaster, he insisted on leading his company into action. When about 500 invaders attacked his 90 men, he recognised that the first attack was a distraction, called for air strikes and laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft. Outnumbered almost seven to one, he moved fearlessly among his men, directing fire and filling magazines for his gunners. Running out of ammunition and asked to pull back, he replied that he would not withdraw an inch. He was killed by a mortar shell while helping a machine-gun operator. Inspired by him, his men held their position for over six more hours, allowing reinforcements to arrive and Srinagar to be saved.

Where the marks are

How a typical answer is marked: the value points the examiner looks for and the marks each earns.

Why do you think the men of D Company held their position for over six hours even after Major Somnath was killed? Answer in 40-50 words. (2 marks) (2 marks)

Step	Marks
Content: his example (moving fearlessly under fire, filling magazines, refusing to withdraw an inch) motivated them; holding on gave time for reinforcements and protected Srinagar.	1
Expression: clear, accurate, within the word limit.	1

Write a letter of enquiry to the organiser of an inter-school quiz on India's freedom struggle, asking about eligibility, dates, the registration fee and the rules. (5 marks) (5 marks)

Step	Marks
Format: addresses, date, subject, salutation, close, name.	1
Content: purpose; questions on eligibility, dates, fee and rules; request for an early reply.	2
Organisation and polite formal tone.	1
Accuracy of grammar and spelling.	1

Where students lose marks in A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Saying he received the PVC while alive
Missing the word 'posthumously'.
Wrong working
The President gave him the Param Vir Chakra after the battle.
Right working
He was awarded the PVC posthumously (after his death), the first ever recipient.
Do this: Posthumous = after death.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Mixing up the numbers
Several figures in the lesson.
Wrong working
500 Indian soldiers fought 90 invaders.
Right working
About 90 soldiers of D Company faced about 500 invaders.
Do this: Use the memory line '90 vs 500'.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Saying D Company won by defeating the enemy completely
Not reading the ending carefully.
Wrong working
D Company drove all the invaders away.
Right working
D Company was eventually overrun, but held on for over six hours, allowing reinforcements to save Srinagar.
Do this: Success = time gained and Srinagar saved.
Usually costs: 1-2 marks.
Mistake: Using the noun where the verb is needed
advice/advise and practice/practise sound alike.
Wrong working
I advice you to practice daily.
Right working
I advise you to practise daily.
Do this: After 'to' or a subject, use the -se verb.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Choosing the verb to agree with the nearest noun after 'of'
Being distracted by the plural noun.
Wrong working
One of the soldiers were injured.
Right working
One of the soldiers was injured.
Do this: Find the real subject (One) first.
Usually costs: 1 mark.

Practice questions on A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQExam level
Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the:
(a) Maha Vir Chakra (b) Vir Chakra (c) Param Vir Chakra (d) Ashoka Chakra
Hint
India's highest gallantry award.
Answer
(c) Param Vir Chakra
Q2 · 1 mark · Very short answerExam level
What was the name of Pakistan's operation to seize the Kashmir Valley?
Hint
Named after a hill resort.
Answer
Operation Gulmarg.
Q3 · 1 mark · Very short answerHarder exam level
Roughly how many invaders did D Company's 90 soldiers face at Badgam, and what ratio does the lesson give?
Hint
Even after the air strikes.
Answer
About 500; the enemy outnumbered them almost seven to one.
Q4 · 1 mark · Very short answerHarder exam level
Choose the correct verb: (i) The fleet of ships ______ (was/were) anchored in the harbour. (ii) Neither the captain nor the sailors ______ (was/were) on board.
Hint
Real subject; nearer subject.
Answer
(i) was; (ii) were.
Q5 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level
Correct the errors: 'Each of the cadets salute the flag while the band play the anthem.'
Hint
'Each of' is singular; 'the band' as one unit.
Answer
Each of the cadets salutes the flag while the band plays the anthem.
Q6 · 2 marks · Short answerExam level
Fill in with the correct word: (i) The doctor's ______ was to rest. (advice/advise) (ii) Engineers ______ a new bridge design. (device/devise) (iii) She goes to cricket ______ daily. (practice/practise)
Hint
c = noun, s = verb.
Answer
(i) advice; (ii) devise; (iii) practice.
Q7 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level
Use 'hold their ground' and 'overwhelm' in two sentences about a non-military situation.
Hint
Sports, debates, emotions.
Answer
Sample: (1) Though the visiting team attacked all match, our defenders held their ground. (2) The warm welcome at my new school overwhelmed me.
Q8 · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Why do you think the lesson describes Major Somnath's early life after the battle and not before it? Answer in 40-50 words.
Hint
Impact first; then explanation.
Answer
Starting with the battle grabs the reader with action and his famous words. Looking back afterwards then explains where his courage came from: a military family, his grandfather's Mahabharata stories and strict training. This order keeps interest high and makes his background feel meaningful.
Q9 · 2 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Suppose you are a soldier of D Company who survived. Write a short diary note (about 50 words) on the evening of 3 November 1947.
Hint
Feelings, his words, holding on.
Answer
Sample: Today we lost our Major. Even with his hand in plaster he moved among us under fire, filling our magazines. When told to pull back, he said he would not withdraw an inch. We held on for hours more because of him. My heart is heavy, but proud.
Q10 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder exam level
Write a letter of enquiry (100-120 words) to a summer coding camp asking about dates, fees, timings and what students must bring.
Hint
Purpose, questions, early reply.
Answer
Format: sender's address, date, The Coordinator (camp address), Subject: Enquiry about the summer coding camp, Dear Sir/Madam. Para 1: interest in joining, for a Class 8 student. Para 2: Firstly, dates and timings; secondly, fees and payment; lastly, whether a laptop is needed. Para 3: request early reply, thanks. Close: Yours sincerely, name.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.Where was Major Somnath Sharma born?Show answer
Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, on 31 January 1923.
2.Which regiment and company did he lead at Badgam?Show answer
D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment.
3.What was unusual about his left hand?Show answer
It was in plaster.
4.How did he help the aircraft find their target?Show answer
He laid out ground panels to guide them.
5.How was he killed?Show answer
A mortar shell hit his position while he was helping a machine-gunner load.
6.What honour did 4 KUMAON receive?Show answer
The Battle Honour, Srinagar.
7.Where did he train?Show answer
Royal Military College, Sandhurst (after Sherwood College, Nainital).
8.Where is his name inscribed?Show answer
On the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial.

Quick revision checklist

The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?

Poorvi Unit 2, Values and Dispositions; non-fiction tribute.
Operation Gulmarg (Pakistan, 1947) aimed to seize the Kashmir Valley.
J&K became part of India 26 Oct 1947; D Company flown in 31 Oct.
Battle of Badgam, 3 Nov 1947: about 90 men vs about 500 invaders.
He spotted a distraction attack, called air strikes, laid ground panels.
Last message: would not withdraw an inch; killed by a mortar shell.
Men held 6+ hours; reinforcements arrived; Srinagar saved.
First PVC, awarded posthumously; died aged 24.
Grammar: expressions, collective nouns, over- verbs, c/s pairs, subject-verb agreement.
Writing: letter of enquiry (purpose, questions, early reply).

A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam: frequently asked questions

Who was Major Somnath Sharma?

An officer of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, who commanded D Company at the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947 and became India's first Param Vir Chakra recipient, awarded after his death.

Why is the Battle of Badgam important?

D Company's stand delayed a much larger enemy force long enough for reinforcements to reach Srinagar, which helped save the airport and Srinagar for India.

What were Major Somnath Sharma's famous last words?

In his message to Brigade headquarters he said he would not withdraw an inch but would fight to the last man and the last round.

How old was he when he died?

24 years old.

What writing task is in this lesson?

A letter of enquiry to the in-charge of a memorial about a school visit (dates, duration, fees, guidelines).

Based on: NCERT Poorvi, Textbook of English for Grade 8 (Reprint 2026-27); NCERT unit PDF: Poorvi Unit 2