Worksheet Solutions: A Tale of Valour | Worksheets with Solutions for Class 8 PDF Download

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.

Q1. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of which prestigious award?
(a) Ashoka Chakra
(b) Vir Chakra
(c) Param Vir Chakra
(d) Maha Vir Chakra

​Ans: (c) Param Vir Chakra
He was India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.

Major Somnath SharmaQ2. The Battle of Badgam took place in which year?
(a) 1942
(b) 1945
(c) 1947
(d) 1950

​Ans: (c) 1947
The battle was fought on 3rd November 1947 during the Indo–Pakistan War of 1947–48.

Q3. Who was the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of Pakistan’s invasion in 1947?
(a) Raja Gulab Singh
(b) Maharaja Hari Singh
(c) Zorawar Singh
(d) General Cariappa

​Ans: (b) Maharaja Hari Singh
Maharaja Hari Singh was the ruler when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex Kashmir.

Q4. Which regiment did Major Somnath Sharma command during the Battle of Badgam?
(a) 8th Battalion, Hyderabad Regiment
(b) 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment
(c) Punjab Regiment
(d) Dogra Regiment

​Ans: (b) 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment
He led the D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment in Srinagar.

Q5. What was Major Somnath Sharma’s famous last message to Brigade headquarters?
(a) “I will not retreat; I will fight till the last breath.”
(b) “We shall fight with courage and strength.”
(c) “The enemy is 50 yards from us… I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to the last man and the last round.”
(d) “Victory belongs to those who fight bravely.”

​Ans: (c) “The enemy is 50 yards from us… I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to the last man and the last round.”
These were his immortal last words before being killed in action.

Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.

Q1. Pakistan launched Operation ________ to annex Kashmir in 1947.
Ans: Gulmarg

Operation Gulmarg was Pakistan’s plan to capture Kashmir by sending trained infiltrators.

Q2. Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January ____ in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
Ans: 1923

He was born in 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, into a family with a military background.

Q3. The Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir officially became a part of India on __ October 1947.
Ans: 26

On 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to join India.

Q4. The Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar on __ October 1947.
Ans: 27

Soldiers were airlifted into Srinagar to quickly respond to the Pakistani invasion.

Q5. Major Somnath Sharma studied at Sherwood College, ______ during his early education.
Ans: Nainital

He completed his schooling at Sherwood College before military training.

Very Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.

Q1. At what age did Major Somnath Sharma sacrifice his life?
Ans: At the age of 24.

Q2. What was the main objective of the Pakistani invaders in 1947?
Ans: To capture Srinagar and annex Kashmir.

Q3. Which family member inspired Somnath Sharma with tales from the Mahabharata?
Ans: His grandfather.

Q4. Where did Major Somnath Sharma receive his military training?
Ans: At the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Q5. Which battalion was awarded the Battle Honour, Srinagar?
Ans: The 4th Kumaon Battalion.

Short Answer Questions

Instruction: Answer the following questions in 1–2 lines.

Q1. Why was the village of Badgam strategically important in 1947?
Ans: Badgam was at a higher altitude near the Srinagar airport. Controlling it was crucial for protecting the airfield and supply lines.

Q2. How did Major Somnath Sharma show commitment despite his injury?
Ans: Even though his left hand was in plaster, he insisted on leading his company into battle, saying his men would not go without him.

Q3. What role did air strikes play in the Battle of Badgam?
Ans: Major Somnath requested air support and marked targets with ground panels, which helped the Indian Air Force strike enemy positions effectively.

Q4. What was the immediate outcome of D Company’s resistance in the battle?
Ans: Their resistance delayed the invaders, allowing reinforcements to arrive and saving Srinagar from falling.

Q5. Why is Major Somnath Sharma remembered as an inspiration?
Ans: His bravery, leadership, and supreme sacrifice embody patriotism and continue to inspire soldiers and citizens alike.

Match the Following

Instruction: Match Column A with the correct option in Column B.

Ans: 1 → b, 2 → a, 3 → c, 4 → d, 5 → e

• Operation Gulmarg was Pakistan’s plan to invade Kashmir.
• Kashmir acceded to India on 26 October 1947.
• Troops were airlifted on 27 October 1947.
• Somnath studied at Sherwood College, Nainital.
• He was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.