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

Fill in the Blanks

Question. Each of the participants _____ (has/have) completed the project.
Answer: has
Explanation: The word "each" speaks about one person at a time, so we use the singular verb "has".

Question. Major Sharma's valiant resistance was crucial in saving _____ for India.
Answer: Srinagar
Explanation: By delaying the enemy at Badgam, his company kept the airfield safe and saved Srinagar city.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma was commander of the _____ Company.
Answer: D
Explanation: Major Sharma led the brave group of soldiers officially named D Company.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the _____ for his bravery.
Answer: Param Vir Chakra
Explanation: The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest award for incredible courage shown during wartime.

Question. He was only _____ years old when he offered the supreme sacrifice.
Answer: 24
Explanation: Major Sharma was a very young officer of just twenty-four years when he laid down his life.

Question. To protect Kashmir, the Indian government sent its _____.
Answer: troops
Explanation: Indian soldiers were flown in by airplanes to guard the people of Kashmir from raiders.

Question. His name is written in the _____ of history.
Answer: annals
Explanation: The word "annals" means the official historical records that keep memories alive forever.

Question. The Param Vir Chakra is India's _____ defense award.
Answer: highest
Explanation: There is no military medal greater than the Param Vir Chakra in our entire nation.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma’s bravery and courage stand as a _____ of inspiration for generations.
Answer: beacon
Explanation: A beacon is a bright guiding lamp that shows sailors the right way through the darkness.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma's bravery is honored through the National War Memorial and patriotic _____.
Answer: songs
Explanation: People sing patriotic songs to thank and remember our brave soldiers on Republic Day and Independence Day.

True or False

Question. The Param Vir Chakra is an award to honour the bravest of the brave for the acts of heroism in war.
Answer: True
Explanation: This top medal is given only to soldiers who show the highest level of courage during battle.

Question. The Indian government was reluctant to send troops to Kashmir.
Answer: False
Explanation: As soon as the Maharaja signed the agreement, India acted quickly and airlifted troops to defend Srinagar.

Question. Major Sharma’s death led to his men instantly withdrawing from the battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: His men did not run away; their commander's bravery inspired them to fight on for hours.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma was killed in 1947.
Answer: True
Explanation: He became a martyr on 3rd November 1947 while protecting the Srinagar airfield.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma was 24 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Answer: True
Explanation: Born in 1923, he gave his life for the nation in 1947 at the youthful age of twenty-four.

Question. The Battle of Badgam was vital because it helped save the Srinagar airport.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saving the airport allowed Indian planes to land with more soldiers and food supplies.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma's family had no previous military background.
Answer: False
Explanation: He came from a well-known military family where his father and brothers wore the army uniform.

Question. Major Somnath Sharma's sacrifice allowed his men to immediately flee from the battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: His sacrifice gave his men the fire and determination to hold their trenches firmly.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. Assertion (A): Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Reason (R): He displayed unrivaled bravery in the Battle of Badgam, sacrificing his life for the nation. Choose the correct option: (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.
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: India awarded him the country's highest gallantry medal because he laid down his life fighting bravely for everyone.

Question. How many jawans were in Major Somnath Sharma’s company during the Battle of Badgam?
Answer: There were around 90 soldiers in Major Sharma's company.
Explanation: Ninety brave men stood together to defend the post against five hundred attackers.

Question. Why was the situation described as perilous in the extract?
Answer: The situation was dangerous because the Indian soldiers were heavily outnumbered, running low on ammunition, and under intense enemy mortar fire.
Explanation: The enemy was firing big bombs from very close range and had many more fighters.

Question. Why does the poet repeat the expression 'somebody’s mother'?
Answer: To emphasize that every aged person is precious to their family and that we should treat every elder with warmth, respect, and filial affection.
Explanation: It reminds all boys and girls that every old person deserves our love and helping hand.

Question. How did Major Somnath Sharma help guide air strikes during the fight?
Answer: He bravely ran out under heavy fire and laid white cloth panels on the ground to mark the targets clearly for Indian fighter aircraft.
Explanation: The white cloth strips helped the airplanes see where the enemy was hiding below.

Question. What key achievement did Major Sharma's men accomplish by continuing to fight after his death?
Answer: They held their trenches for six more hours, delaying the enemy forces until Indian Army reinforcements landed at the airport.
Explanation: They did not let the enemy pass through, which gave enough time for more Indian troops to arrive.

Question. What inspired Major Somnath Sharma to enter the army?
Answer: He was inspired by his father’s distinguished service as an army officer and the brave warrior stories from the Mahabharata told by his grandfather.
Explanation: Listening to great stories of courage when he was a boy made him want to serve his country as a soldier.

Question. What were Major Somnath Sharma's last words and what do they show about his character?
Answer: His last words were: "I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." They show his iron willpower, selflessness, and fearless devotion to India.
Explanation: Even when death was near, he cared only about defending our land and protecting his people.

Question. Assertion (A): Major Somnath Sharma continued to command his company even with a broken hand. Reason (R): He believed that his physical condition was more important than leading his men. Codes: (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.
Answer: (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation: Major Sharma proved that leading his soldiers and doing his duty was far more important than his own broken hand.

Question. What message do we take from Major Somnath Sharma's last words?
Answer: We learn that duty to our motherland comes before personal comfort, and that true courage means never giving up, even in the hardest trials.
Explanation: When you face a tough challenge, be brave, stay truthful, and never quit.

Question. Which key crucial location was Major Sharma's company defending near Badgam?
Answer: Major Sharma's company was defending the Srinagar airport.
Explanation: The airport was the lifeline of the army for flying in food, medicine, and soldiers.

Question. What kind of shell fatally killed Major Somnath Sharma?
Answer: A mortar shell fatally struck Major Somnath Sharma.
Explanation: A mortar shell is a heavy cannon bomb shot high up in the air that explodes upon landing.

Question. What is the full name of the Major whose story is narrated in the chapter?
Answer: Major Somnath Sharma
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma was the fearless officer who became India’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient.

Question. According to the extract, how does Major Somnath Sharma's bravery and sacrifice act as an inspiration? (a) Only through national holidays (b) Through patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour (c) By building new monuments (d) By winning international awards
Answer: (b) Through patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour
Explanation: Children and adults read about his heroism in schoolbooks and hear his story during national celebrations.

Question. What was the name of the mission launched by Pakistan to take over Kashmir?
Answer: Operation Gulmarg
Explanation: Operation Gulmarg was the secret code name given by Pakistani planners to attack Kashmir.

Question. What is the supreme military award in India that Major Somnath Sharma was the first to receive?
Answer: Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
Explanation: This purple-ribbon medal is India's highest wartime honor for extraordinary bravery.

Question. When did Pakistan start 'Operation Gulmarg'? (a) July 1947 (b) August 1947 (c) September 1947 (d) October 1947
Answer: (b) August 1947
Explanation: The planning and organization of the raiders began right after independence in August 1947.

Question. How can the principle of self-sacrifice shown by Major Somnath Sharma be applied in your daily school life?
Answer: By sharing our notes with classmates who were absent, helping friends who find homework tough, and putting the success of our school team ahead of our own wishes.
Explanation: Giving up some of your playtime to help a friend who needs care is a small form of selfless sacrifice.

Question. Imagine you are a soldier under Major Somnath Sharma’s command during the Battle of Badgam. How would his words and actions influence your mindset in such a difficult situation?
Answer: Seeing my commander stand firmly in the open trenches despite his fractured hand would banish all my fear, filling my heart with pride and giving me the strength to defend our country bravely.
Explanation: Seeing a brave leader work right beside you makes you feel strong and confident.

Question. Discuss Major Somnath Sharma’s early life and what influenced his calling.
Answer: Born on 31 January 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, he grew up in an army household. His grandfather’s stories of Mahabharata heroes sparked his courage. He studied at Sherwood College in Nainital and completed his military training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Explanation: Growing up with patriotic elders and listening to brave stories inspired him to become an army officer.

Question. 'True bravery lies not only in fighting the enemy but also in showing kindness to the weak.' How do the stories of Major Somnath Sharma and the boy in the poem demonstrate this idea?
Answer: Major Sharma demonstrated heroic bravery on the battlefield by defending his country against invaders, while the young schoolboy showed moral bravery by stopping to help a weak, elderly lady cross a snowy road when everyone else rushed past.
Explanation: Being brave is not only about fighting; it also means being kind and helping people who are weak or old.

Question. How did Major Somnath Sharma's actions reflect the true meaning of patriotism?
Answer: He put the defense of his country above his physical pain, personal comfort, and even his own life. He stayed with his men to the end, ensuring Srinagar remained safe for the nation.
Explanation: True love for your country means doing what is best for all your people without thinking of yourself.

Question. 'Major Somnath Sharma's guidance and sacrifice saved Srinagar for India.' Justify the statement with examples from the text.
Answer: Major Sharma led his men while his arm was wrapped in plaster, personally ran to reload machine guns, marked targets for air strikes, and refused to pull back. His six-hour defense held off five hundred raiders until reinforcements landed at the airfield, thereby keeping Srinagar safe.
Explanation: Because he held the hill for six hours, fresh soldiers could arrive in airplanes and defeat the enemy.

Question. Write a short diary entry (80–100 words) about a day you helped an elderly person, motivated by the values shown by the boy in the poem 'Somebody’s Mother'.
Answer:
Dear Diary,
Today on my way back from school, I saw an elderly grandmother trying to cross a very crowded street. She looked scared of the rushing cars. Remembering the kind boy from the poem 'Somebody’s Mother', I walked up, gently held her hand, and guided her across safely. She smiled, patted my head, and gave me her blessings. That warm feeling made my whole day brighter.
Explanation: Helping an older person cross the road safely is a wonderful act of kindness that makes everyone happy.

Question. If you were asked to give a talk on Republic Day about a real-life hero, what points from Major Somnath Sharma's life would you include and why?
Answer: I would talk about his determination to join the battle even with a plastered hand, how he loaded bullets for his men, and his famous promise to fight to the last round. These examples teach us the real meaning of duty, courage, and selfless love for India.
Explanation: Sharing his heroic deeds on Republic Day teaches everyone how brave our defenders are.