Understanding the Chapter

Quick Summary

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Part I · Why the Battle Happened 1.1 A Tribute to Major Somnath Sharma NCERT Poorvi page 50

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1.2 The Mission: Protect Srinagar Airport NCERT Poorvi page 51

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1.3 Operation Gulmarg and the Invasion NCERT Poorvi pages 51–52

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1.4 India Sends Troops to Srinagar NCERT Poorvi page 52

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1.5 Major Sharma Refuses to Stay Behind NCERT Poorvi page 52 left arrow to signify that you are on this page You are here

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1.6 Why Badgam Was So Important NCERT Poorvi page 52

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1.7 The Patrol of 3 November 1947 NCERT Poorvi page 52

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Part II · The Battle of Badgam 2.1 The First Attack Was a Distraction NCERT Poorvi page 53

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2.2 Ninety Soldiers Face About Five Hundred Invaders NCERT Poorvi page 53

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2.3 Air Strikes and Ground Panels NCERT Poorvi page 53

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2.4 Standing Firm Under Heavy Fire NCERT Poorvi page 53

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2.5 Major Sharma Leads from the Front NCERT Poorvi page 53

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2.6 Ammunition Runs Low — His Last Message NCERT Poorvi page 54

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2.7 Major Somnath Sharma Is Killed NCERT Poorvi page 54

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2.8 D Company Fights On NCERT Poorvi page 54

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2.9 Reinforcements Arrive and Srinagar Is Saved NCERT Poorvi page 54

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2.10 Honours and the Param Vir Chakra NCERT Poorvi pages 54–57

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Part III · The Man Behind the Medal 3.1 Family and Early Inspiration NCERT Poorvi page 56

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3.2 Training and Earlier Military Service NCERT Poorvi page 56

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3.3 Duty, Honour and Patriotism NCERT Poorvi page 56

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3.4 A Legacy That Lives On NCERT Poorvi page 58

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Summary & Revision

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Quick Revision Table (Last-Minute Prep)

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Character Sketch Major Somnath Sharma — The Courageous and Responsible Leader

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Key Themes of the Story

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Poorvi
Chapter 4 - A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma (Unit 2)

On 31 October, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was also flown into 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 and told his senior officers, “I know my men better than anyone else, and if they are going into action, they are not going in without me.” These words highlighted his commitment to his men and his country.

  • D Company of 4 Kumaon reached Srinagar on 31 October under Major Somnath Sharma’s command.
  • His left hand was in plaster, but he still insisted on going with his soldiers.
  • He believed that he knew his men well and should be with them when they went into danger.
  • His decision shows that he placed duty and responsibility towards his men above his own injury. combat = a battle
    commitment = a strong sense of responsibility
Left hand plaster mein tha, phir bhi Major Sharma ne kaha: mere men action mein jaayenge toh main unke saath jaaunga . Yeh leadership ka strong example hai.
NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Let us think and reflect · II.2

NCERT Poorvi page 61

Let us think and reflect · II.2
Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam?
How to answer: Use the conditions of the battle and at least two things he did as a leader.
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Answer: His leadership was critical because D Company was badly outnumbered and had to hold an important position until reinforcements arrived. He recognised the diversion, requested air support, guided the aircraft, moved under fire, helped his gunners and kept the soldiers motivated. These actions helped the company continue resisting under extreme pressure.

Leadership critical thi because force chhoti thi aur pressure huge. Major Sharma ne situation read ki, air support li, men ko motivate kiya aur khud action mein rahe .

Board Pattern Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Short Answer 2 marks
Why did Major Somnath Sharma insist on going with D Company despite his injured hand? 2 Marks
How to answer: Use his own statement about his men.
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Answer: He insisted because he felt responsible for his men and believed he understood them better than anyone else. He did not want them to go into action without their commander.

Unhe apne men ki responsibility feel hoti thi. Isliye injured hand ke bawajood woh unke saath jaana chahte the.

Longer Short Answer 3 marks
What qualities of Major Sharma are revealed by the words, “they are not going in without me”? 3 Marks
How to answer: Name the qualities and support them with the situation.
View Answer Hide Answer

Answer: The words show loyalty, responsibility and courage. His hand was in plaster and he knew the mission would be difficult, yet he chose to share the danger faced by his men instead of staying behind.

Quote se loyalty, responsibility aur courage dikhte hain—injured hone ke baad bhi woh men ko akela nahi chhodte.

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