A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam — Summary, Notes and Explanation (Class 8)

A Tale of Valour is the first lesson in Unit 2, “Values and Dispositions”, of the NCERT Class 8 English textbook Poorvi. Its full title is “A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam”. This page gives the A Tale of Valour summary, a timeline, the background of 1947, word meanings, themes and model answers to the textbook questions.

A Tale of Valour: Chapter Overview

The word “valour” means great courage, especially in battle.

💡 Expert Tip by Ratika Sharma, eSaral English Faculty: When reading this chapter, focus on the emotions in the text, not just the events. Questions in CBSE exams often ask about what Major Somnath Sharma felt and said — not just what happened.

A Tale of Valour Summary in Short

The chapter is a tribute to Major Somnath Sharma. In October 1947, infiltrators backed by Pakistan invaded Kashmir under a plan called Operation Gulmarg. Indian troops were flown to Srinagar to defend it, and D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, led by Major Somnath Sharma, arrived on 31 October. His left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on going with his men.

On 3 November, D Company was sent to patrol near the village of Badgam, less than 5 kilometres from the Srinagar airfield. The valley was eerily silent. When D Company, with 90 soldiers, was the last to return, the infiltrators attacked. The first attack was a distraction, and a bigger attack followed from another side. Major Somnath asked for air strikes, laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft and kept encouraging his men.

When the company ran out of ammunition and he was asked to pull back, he replied that he would not withdraw an inch. A few minutes later, he was killed by a mortar shell. His men held on for over six more hours, which gave time for reinforcements to reach Srinagar. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra after his death.

A Tale of Valour Background: Kashmir in October 1947

The chapter explains the events that led to the battle. This table shows the dates mentioned in the textbook.

According to the textbook, Pakistan had an existing agreement with Maharaja Hari Singh not to attack the state, but it trained and equipped around 1,000 invaders who knew the mountain passes and local terrain. Their aim was to take strategic locations, including the Srinagar airport, and to create a revolt in Kashmir. Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar because the land route through Pathankot was not in a good condition.

Who Was Major Somnath Sharma? Early Life and Career

Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He came from a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction, and his grandfather told him the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, which inspired him.

He studied at Sherwood College, Nainital, and trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In 1942, he was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment. He served in World War II in the Arakan Campaign in Burma, where he earned “mentions in despatches” for his bravery. His legacy, as the chapter puts it, was truly forged in the Battle of Badgam during the Indo–Pakistan War of 1947–1948.

The Battle of Badgam Step by Step in A Tale of Valour

Why Was Badgam Important?

Badgam village was less than 5 kilometres from the Srinagar airfield, and it was at a higher altitude than the airfield. Access to the airfield was through the village. Indian forces had to keep control of the area to protect the troops and to allow supplies to arrive by air.

What Happened on 3 November 1947?

Several companies, including Major Somnath Sharma’s D Company, were sent to patrol Badgam. The valley was eerily silent throughout the day. In the afternoon, the companies were ordered to return one by one. D Company, with 90 soldiers, was last and was expected back by 2:00 p.m.

When the infiltrators saw that only a small group was left, they attacked. Major Somnath and his men resisted the first attack, and he correctly saw that it was only a distraction. Soon, a major attack came from another side, and about 500 invaders faced his 90 soldiers. The textbook also says the invaders outnumbered D Company almost seven to one.

What Did Major Somnath Sharma Do in the Battle?

• He requested air strikes and laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft.
• He moved fearlessly across the battlefield and directed fire.
• He filled magazines for his gunners and encouraged his men to hold their ground.
• He kept fighting despite heavy casualties and his own injuries.

His Last Words

When the company ran short of ammunition, Brigade headquarters asked him to pull back. He replied: “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.” A few minutes later, while he was crouched in a trench helping a machine gun operator load the gun, a mortar shell hit his position and killed him instantly.

The Result of the Battle

His men did not give up. They held their position for over six more hours, which gave time for reinforcements, including soldiers of the Punjab Regiment who were flown to Srinagar, to arrive. The infiltrators suffered more than 300 casualties, including an injury to their leader. The textbook says that D Company’s sacrifice and Major Somnath’s leadership saved Srinagar for India. The 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, was awarded the Battle Honour “Srinagar”, and Major Somnath, who died at the age of 24, became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded after his death. His name is on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial.

A Tale of Valour Timeline: Events in Order

1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
2. He trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
3. He was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
4. D Company, under his command, was flown into Srinagar (31 October 1947).
5. He requested air strikes at Badgam (3 November 1947).
6. He was killed immediately when a mortar shell hit his position.
7. His soldiers kept fighting bravely to save Srinagar for India.
8. He became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

A Tale of Valour Word Meanings

These words from A Tale of Valour appear in the textbook glossary and in reading questions.

Themes and Values in A Tale of Valour

Courage: Major Somnath fought on despite injuries, heavy casualties and heavy odds. Duty and leadership: He insisted on staying with his men even with his hand in plaster, and his words and actions motivated them to continue after his death. Self-sacrifice: He chose to stay and fight so that the airfield, and Srinagar, would not fall. Remembrance: The tribute ends by saying that his name is remembered at the National War Memorial and that his story reminds us of the price of freedom.

A Tale of Valour Questions and Answers (Class 8 Poorvi)

Use these answers after you have read the A Tale of Valour summary above.

1. What is the significance of the repetition in “forever alive, forever alive”?

The repetition stresses that his courage and devotion to the nation will never be forgotten. It also gives the line an emotional, tribute-like tone.

2. Why was Major Somnath’s leadership critical during the Battle of Badgam?

His company was outnumbered, short of ammunition and under heavy fire. His courage, quick judgement (seeing that the first attack was a distraction) and encouragement kept the soldiers fighting, which gave time for reinforcements to arrive.

3. What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?

He said that the enemy was only 50 yards away, that they were outnumbered and under heavy fire, and that he would “not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round”. The words show his complete commitment to his duty and his men.

4. What might have happened if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?

The infiltrators might have captured Badgam and then the Srinagar airfield, which would have made it very difficult to bring in troops and supplies, and they might have taken control of Srinagar.

5. Why does Major Somnath’s story continue to inspire soldiers and civilians?

It is a true example of courage, duty and sacrifice for the country. It reminds us of the price of freedom and of the many people who defend the nation.

6. How can we apply his values in our daily lives?

We can show courage by speaking the truth and standing up for what is right, show duty by completing our responsibilities sincerely, and show self-sacrifice by helping others even when it costs us time or comfort.

For the next lesson in the same unit, read our Somebody’s Mother summary.