A small Indian company halted a large Pakistani tribal advance near Srinagar, securing the city and earning India's first Param Vir Chakra award.
Key Facts
- Date
- 3 November 1947
- Indian unit
- 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment (one company)
- Pakistani lashkar strength
- ~1,000 tribal raiders
- Indian commander
- Major Somnath Sharma
- Award
- Param Vir Chakra (posthumous) to Sharma
- Followed by
- Battle of Shalateng
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the early phase of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948, Pakistani-backed tribal lashkars advanced into the Kashmir Valley and occupied Badgam, threatening the strategically vital Srinagar Airport. India deployed forces to counter this incursion and prevent the raiders from capturing Srinagar.
On 3 November 1947, a single company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, under Major Somnath Sharma, engaged approximately 1,000 tribal raiders at Badgam. Supported by the Indian Air Force, which inflicted the majority of enemy casualties, the heavily outnumbered Indian force fought a defensive battle to hold back the advancing lashkar.
The Indian company successfully halted the tribal advance, securing the outskirts of Srinagar. Major Somnath Sharma was killed in action and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. The battle set the stage for the decisive Battle of Shalateng, which followed shortly afterward.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Major Somnath Sharma.
Side B
1 belligerent