CBSE Class 8 English A Tale of Valour Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam MCQs Set 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for Class 8 English: Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 04 A Tale of Valour Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

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Practice Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 04 A Tale of Valour Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam MCQs for Class 8 English

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Question: In the poem “Somebody’s Mother”, the boy assisted the old woman because _____.

(A) he was forced by his friends
(B) he remembered his own mother
(C) the teacher had instructed him
(D) the woman asked him for money
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) he remembered his own mother

Explanation:
1. The kind boy saw an old lady waiting in the cold snow.
2. He thought of his own mother who might need help someday.
3. He helped her cross the wet road with love and care.

Question: Which military award was Major Somnath Sharma the first winner of?
(A) Param Vir Chakra
(B) Maha Vir Chakra
(C) Kirti Chakra
(D) Ashoka Chakra
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Param Vir Chakra

Explanation:
1. Param Vir Chakra is India's highest award for bravery in war.
2. Major Somnath Sharma was the very first hero to receive it.
3. He got this medal for defending our country in 1947.

Question: What operation was started by Pakistan to take over Kashmir in 1947?
(A) Operation Jihad
(B) Operation Kashmir
(C) Operation Gulmarg
(D) Operation Sikandar
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) Operation Gulmarg

Explanation:
1. In the year 1947, Pakistan made a secret plan to capture Kashmir.
2. They gave this plan the code name Operation Gulmarg.
3. Brave Indian soldiers stopped them from taking over the valley.

Question: How did Major Sharma help guide Indian Air Force attacks during the battle?
(A) Laying out ground panels
(B) Radio coordinates
(C) Flare guns
(D) Using smoke signals
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Laying out ground panels

Explanation:
1. Fighter planes flying high need to see target spots clearly.
2. Major Sharma placed bright white panels on the open soil.
3. The Indian pilots saw these marks and bombed enemy lines safely.

Question: Which collective noun from the unit applies to a permanent army unit commanded by a lieutenant colonel?
(A) Squadron
(B) Fleet
(C) Battalion
(D) Regiment
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) Battalion

Explanation:
1. A large group of soldiers working together has special names.
2. An army unit led by a Lieutenant Colonel is called a battalion.
3. A battalion usually has around eight hundred to nine hundred soldiers.

Question: What award is given to Major Somnath Sharma for his bravery during the Battle of Badgam?
(A) Param Vir Chakra
(B) Veer Chakra
(C) Ashoka Chakra
(D) Kirti Chakra
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Param Vir Chakra

Explanation:
1. Major Somnath fought fearlessly until his last breath.
2. He saved Srinagar city and the airfield from invaders.
3. The nation honored his supreme courage with the Param Vir Chakra.

Question: What was Major Sharma's renowned last message before his death?
(A) Request for more ammunition
(B) I shall not withdraw an inch
(C) Attack from the left flank
(D) Retreat to safer positions
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) I shall not withdraw an inch

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma sent a brave message through his radio set.
2. He stated: "I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to our last man."
3. These words are celebrated as a shining example of courage.

Question: Major Somnath Sharma insisted on joining his company despite his hurt hand because he _____.
(A) wanted a promotion
(B) knew his men better than anyone else
(C) feared losing his command
(D) had been ordered by the Brigade
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) knew his men better than anyone else

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma had a plaster cast on his broken hand.
2. Doctors told him to stay back and rest in hospital.
3. He insisted on going because he loved and knew his men best.

Question: Which regiment was Major Somnath Sharma member of during the Battle of Badgam?
(A) Punjab Regiment
(B) Sikh Regiment
(C) Rajputana Rifles
(D) 4th Battalion Kumaon Regiment
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) 4th Battalion Kumaon Regiment

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma led the brave fighters of 4 Kumaon.
2. He was in charge of D Company in this battalion.
3. His soldiers showed great grit against a huge enemy force.

Question: What weapon martyred Major Somnath Sharma?
(A) Mortar shell
(B) Grenade
(C) Machine gun fire
(D) Sniper bullet
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Mortar shell

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma was filling ammunition magazines for his soldiers.
2. An enemy mortar shell suddenly landed on the pile of bullets.
3. The big blast took the life of the brave commander instantly.

Question: Assertion (A): Dr. Verghese Kurien chose to work in Anand, Gujarat instead of seeking a career abroad. Reason (R): He believed he could make a more meaningful contribution to the nation by serving its farmers.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:
1. Dr. Kurien wanted to help poor dairy farmers in India earn more money.
2. He stayed back in Anand to build the famous Amul milk brand.
3. His patriotic wish to serve our farmers explains his big choice.

Question: What important event occurred on October 27, 1947, regarding Kashmir?
(A) The local king was overthrown.
(B) Pakistan launched a full-scale invasion.
(C) Indian troops were sent to protect Kashmir.
(D) Kashmir declared independence.
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) Indian troops were sent to protect Kashmir.

Explanation:
1. Invaders entered Kashmir to take over its land and cities.
2. The Maharaja joined India and requested urgent military aid.
3. On October 27, Indian soldiers flew into Srinagar to protect the people.

Question: In which World War II campaign did Major Sharma receive mentions in despatches?
(A) Italian Campaign
(B) Arakan Campaign
(C) Burma Campaign
(D) North African Campaign
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Arakan Campaign

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma served in the Second World War in Burma.
2. He fought boldly against the enemy in the Arakan hills.
3. His senior officers praised his bravery in official battle papers.

Question: Which honorable military recognition was awarded to the 4 Kumaon Regiment posthumously for their actions in the Battle of Badgam?
(A) Unit Citation
(B) Battle Honour
(C) Commendation Certificate
(D) Gallantry Medal
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Battle Honour

Explanation:
1. An entire regiment is praised when all its men fight bravely.
2. 4 Kumaon received the special title of Battle Honour Badgam.
3. This proud title honors their heroic sacrifice for India.

Question: Who was the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947?
(A) Hari Singh
(B) Ranjit Singh
(C) Karan Singh
(D) Gulab Singh
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Hari Singh

Explanation:
1. Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by a royal king in 1947.
2. His name was Maharaja Hari Singh.
3. He signed the agreement to make Kashmir a legal part of India.

Question: Roughly how many enemy forces attacked Major Sharma’s company?
(A) 500
(B) 1000
(C) 1500
(D) 200
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) 500

Explanation:
1. Around five hundred tribal raiders attacked Badgam village.
2. Major Sharma had only about ninety Indian soldiers with him.
3. Even though heavily outnumbered, his small team held the line.

Question: The old woman in the poem prayed for the lad because _____.
(A) he gave her money
(B) he showed kindness and respect
(C) he was her relative
(D) the other boys had mocked her
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) he showed kindness and respect

Explanation:
1. Other children ran past the weak old woman without caring.
2. One young boy stopped and held her trembling arm gently.
3. She was very thankful and prayed to God to bless his kind soul.

Question: What was Major Somnath Sharma's last message to his troops before he died?
(A) "We will not withdraw."
(B) "Hold your positions."
(C) "Fight bravely."
(D) "We must retreat."
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) "We will not withdraw."

Explanation:
1. The enemy was very close and shooting heavy fire from all sides.
2. Major Sharma refused to turn back or run away.
3. He told headquarters that his troops would not withdraw an inch.

Question: What was the designation of Major Sharma's company?
(A) B Company
(B) C Company
(C) D Company
(D) A Company
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) D Company

Explanation:
1. Army battalions are divided into smaller units called companies.
2. Major Somnath Sharma was the commander of D Company.
3. D Company fought the historic Battle of Badgam.

Question: Assertion (A): Major Somnath Sharma declined to withdraw even when ammunition was low. Reason (R): He believed that pulling back would allow the enemy to capture the Srinagar airfield.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation:
1. If our soldiers stepped back, the enemy would seize the airport.
2. Losing the airport meant Indian planes could not bring help.
3. That is why Major Sharma stood his ground until his last breath.

Question: Where did Major Somnath Sharma get his military training?
(A) Royal Military College Sandhurst
(B) National Defence Academy
(C) Officers Training Academy
(D) Indian Military Academy
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Royal Military College Sandhurst

Explanation:
1. Young officers learned soldiering in world-class academies.
2. Major Sharma trained at the Royal Military College Sandhurst.
3. This military training shaped his strong leadership skills.

Question: What does Major Somnath Sharma's legacy mainly symbolize?
(A) Historical revisionism
(B) Political power
(C) Military strategy
(D) Bravery and sacrifice
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) Bravery and sacrifice

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma gave his life so that thousands could live safely.
2. He showed that duty to the nation comes before one's own comfort.
3. His life stands as a symbol of pure courage and sacrifice.

Question: What was Major Sharma's father's job?
(A) Military officer
(B) Doctor
(C) Civil servant
(D) Police officer
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Military officer

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma grew up in a patriotic army family.
2. His father was Major General Amar Nath Sharma.
3. Seeing his father in uniform inspired Somnath to join the army.

Question: The Param Vir Chakra was granted to Major Somnath Sharma _____.
(A) during his lifetime
(B) posthumously
(C) only after 26 January 1950
(D) by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) posthumously

Explanation:
1. The word "posthumously" means given after a person has died.
2. Major Sharma fell in battle while protecting the airfield.
3. India presented this grand medal in honor of his martyrdom.

Question: What was Major Somnath Sharma's physical state during the battle?
(A) His left hand was in plaster
(B) He had high fever
(C) He had recently recovered from malaria
(D) He had a broken leg
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) His left hand was in plaster

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma hurt his wrist while playing hockey.
2. His left hand was tied up in a stiff white plaster cast.
3. Even with a hurt hand, he fought bravely alongside his troops.

Question: The phrase “somebody’s mother” is repeated in the poem to emphasize _____.
(A) the woman’s poverty
(B) the universal bond of motherhood and empathy
(C) the boy’s fear of punishment
(D) the cold weather conditions
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) the universal bond of motherhood and empathy

Explanation:
1. Every elderly woman is dear to her own children.
2. The poem reminds us to respect all elders just like our parents.
3. Repeating these words teaches children kindness and empathy.

Question: Which army regiment did Major Somnath Sharma belong to?
(A) 1st Punjab Regiment
(B) 4th Kumaon Regiment
(C) 19th Hyderabad Regiment
(D) 8th Gorkha Regiment
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) 4th Kumaon Regiment

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma wore the proud badge of the Kumaon soldiers.
2. His specific battalion was the 4th Kumaon Regiment.
3. This regiment is well known for its extraordinary gallantry.

Question: What was the estimated ratio of enemy forces to Indian soldiers at Badgam?
(A) 5:1
(B) 7:1
(C) 10:1
(D) 3:1
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) 7:1

Explanation:
1. Five hundred enemy raiders attacked about seventy Indian troops.
2. This means there were nearly seven enemy soldiers for every one Indian soldier.
3. Despite the huge odds, the Indian soldiers never gave up.

Question: In the letter to his grandson, Dr. Kurien stresses that integrity means _____.
(A) being honest to others only
(B) being honest to oneself first
(C) achieving fame and wealth
(D) following orders without question
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) being honest to oneself first

Explanation:
1. Integrity means always doing what is right, even when alone.
2. Dr. Kurien explained that true honesty begins in one's own heart.
3. Being honest with yourself helps you stay truthful to the world.

Question: What strategic place were the invaders trying to capture?
(A) Srinagar airport
(B) Jammu railway station
(C) Pathankot military base
(D) Leh airfield
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Srinagar airport

Explanation:
1. Roads leading into Kashmir were cut off during the invasion.
2. The airport was the only open door to fly in help and food.
3. The enemy wanted to capture it to cut off Kashmir completely.

Question: How many troops were Major Somnath Sharma's company outnumbered by during the Battle of Badgam?
(A) 200
(B) 400
(C) 300
(D) 500
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) 500

Explanation:
1. A huge crowd of five hundred heavily armed raiders surrounded them.
2. The Indian jawans were small in number but had giant hearts.
3. They bravely delayed the enemy until help arrived.

Question: What ancient text motivated Major Sharma in his childhood?
(A) Vedas
(B) Mahabharata
(C) Upanishads
(D) Ramayana
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Mahabharata

Explanation:
1. As a child, Somnath sat with his grandfather every evening.
2. His grandfather told him thrilling stories of heroes from the Mahabharata.
3. These ancient tales taught him to do his duty without any fear.

Question: When was Officer Somnath Sharma born?
(A) 31 January 1923
(B) 26 January 1925
(C) 2 October 1922
(D) 15 August 1920
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) 31 January 1923

Explanation:
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923.
2. His birthplace was in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
3. His family had many brave officers who served the nation.

Question: Which school did Major Somnath Sharma join in India?
(A) Sherwood College
(B) Mayo College
(C) St. Xavier's
(D) Doon School
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Sherwood College

Explanation:
1. Sherwood College is a famous school located in Nainital.
2. Young Somnath did his early schooling and sports activities here.
3. This school has produced many outstanding military officers.

Question: At what age did Major Somnath Sharma sacrifice his life in battle?
(A) 22 years
(B) 24 years
(C) 26 years
(D) 30 years
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) 24 years

Explanation:
1. Major Sharma was only twenty-four years old when he fought at Badgam.
2. Even at such a young age, he showed supreme leadership.
3. His sacrifice saved thousands of innocent lives in Kashmir.

Question: Which mountain range forms the backdrop to the Kashmir Valley where the battle happened?
(A) Vindhyas
(B) Western Ghats
(C) Aravallis
(D) Himalayas
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) Himalayas

Explanation:
1. The beautiful Kashmir Valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
2. These majestic peaks belong to the Great Himalayas.
3. The Battle of Badgam took place right under these tall mountains.

Question: The Battle of Badgam happened on _____.
(A) 22 October 1947
(B) 26 October 1947
(C) 3 November 1947
(D) 31 October 1947
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) 3 November 1947

Explanation:
1. On 3 November 1947, tribal raiders reached the edge of Badgam.
2. Major Sharma's company stopped them right there all afternoon.
3. This day is remembered every year for the great sacrifice made.

Question: How old was Major Somnath Sharma when he perished?
(A) 24 years
(B) 26 years
(C) 28 years
(D) 22 years
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) 24 years

Explanation:
1. Major Somnath Sharma died fighting on 3 November 1947.
2. Born in 1923, he was just 24 years of age on that day.
3. His young life was dedicated entirely to protecting India.

Question: How long did D Company hold their ground after Major Sharma's death?
(A) 3 hours
(B) 12 hours
(C) 6 hours
(D) 1 hour
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) 6 hours

Explanation:
1. His soldiers were deeply inspired by their leader's bravery.
2. They kept firing and holding their trenches for six more hours.
3. This critical time allowed Indian army reinforcements to land safely.

Question: What was the name of the Pakistani operation to capture Kashmir in 1947?
(A) Operation Meghdoot
(B) Operation Gulmarg
(C) Operation Vijay
(D) Operation Gibraltar
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Operation Gulmarg

Explanation:
1. Operation Gulmarg was the plan used by tribal attackers.
2. They rushed toward the capital city of Srinagar.
3. The quick response of Indian forces broke their evil plan.

Question: Where is Major Somnath Sharma's name honored?
(A) National War Memorial
(B) Amar Jawan Jyoti
(C) India Gate
(D) All of the options
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) All of the options

Explanation:
1. India proudly remembers its brave soldiers at national monuments.
2. Major Sharma's name is engraved at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
3. All major war memorials across India honor his supreme sacrifice.

Question: Which Indian regiment was airlifted as support after the battle?
(A) Madras Regiment
(B) Gorkha Regiment
(C) Garhwal Rifles
(D) Punjab Regiment
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (D) Punjab Regiment

Explanation:
1. Fresh troops were quickly sent by transport airplanes to Srinagar.
2. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Punjab Regiment arrived.
3. They took over the defensive positions and chased the raiders away.

Question: What was the day of the Battle of Badgam?
(A) 26 October 1947
(B) 03 November 1947
(C) 22 December 1947
(D) 15 August 1947
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) 03 November 1947

Explanation:
1. The decisive fight at Badgam took place on 3 November 1947.
2. It happened less than three months after India gained independence.
3. This brave fight stopped the invaders from capturing Srinagar.

Question: What was the result of the Battle of Badgam for India?
(A) Strategic victory
(B) Complete rout
(C) Stalemate
(D) Temporary setback
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Strategic victory

Explanation:
1. India lost brave soldiers, but their sacrifice achieved the main goal.
2. They kept the Srinagar airfield safe from enemy hands.
3. This victory helped save the entire valley of Kashmir.

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