Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour. Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground.

(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire...’

1. The gunshots had stopped for a while.
2. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
3. The invaders were retreating from the fight.
4. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.

(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.

Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ______.

(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:

(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.

(R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.

1. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:

Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ______. (injuries/worry)

Answer 1

(i) There was intense fighting on the battlefield.

(ii) Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because he was determined to defend his position and inspire his soldiers to keep fighting bravely.

(iii) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(iv) Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite injuries.