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

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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 left arrow to signify that you are on this page You are here

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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)

However, as the battle progressed, D Company began running out of ammunition . When Major Somnath Sharma informed Brigade headquarters about this, he was asked to pull back.

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”.

  • D Company began to run short of bullets and other ammunition.
  • Brigade headquarters told Major Sharma to pull back.
  • He refused because the enemy was extremely close and leaving the position could open the way towards Srinagar.
  • His last message shows that he was prepared to keep fighting even in an almost impossible situation. ammunition = a supply of bullets, shells and explosives
    pull back = move away from a position
    gravity of the situation = how serious the situation was
Ammunition kam ho rahi thi aur withdrawal ka order mila. Major Sharma ka answer clear tha: position nahi chhodenge .
NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Let us think and reflect · II.3

NCERT Poorvi page 61

Let us think and reflect · II.3
What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?
How to answer: Give the words, then explain what they show about his priorities.
View Answer Hide Answer

Answer: His last message was: “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.” These words reflect complete commitment to duty. Even when the enemy was close and ammunition was running low, he placed the mission and defence of the position above his own safety.

Last message ka main idea: situation almost impossible thi, phir bhi unhone duty ko personal safety se upar rakha.

Board Pattern Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Short Answer 2 marks
What did Brigade headquarters ask Major Sharma to do, and how did he respond? 2 Marks
How to answer: State both the instruction and his decision.
View Answer Hide Answer

Answer: Brigade headquarters asked him to pull back because D Company was running out of ammunition. He refused to withdraw and said he would fight to the last man and the last round.

Order tha pull back , lekin unhone withdraw karne se mana kar diya.

Longer Short Answer 3 marks
What do Major Somnath Sharma’s last words reveal about his sense of duty? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what his refusal to withdraw meant in that situation.
View Answer Hide Answer

Answer: His words show complete commitment to defending the position. He knew the enemy was close, his men were badly outnumbered and ammunition was running low, yet he placed the mission above his personal safety. His duty to hold the line remained his priority.

Last words show karte hain ki mission aur duty unke liye personal safety se upar thi.

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