The Battle of Budgam in 1947, where Indian forces displayed extraordinary bravery, holds historical significance in the region. Nestled in the serene Kashmir Valley, Budgam District is a haven of natural beauty, featuring meadows like Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, lush forests, streams, and stunning views of the Pir Panjal range. The area, known for vibrant wildflowers, serene lakes, and rich biodiversity, also boasts the Charar-e-Sharief shrine, adding cultural depth,and thus making Budgam a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts alike.
The Battle of Budgam, fought on November 3, 1947, was a crucial engagement during the First Indo-Pak War, set in the strategically important Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. A small contingent of Indian soldiers, led by Major Somnath Sharma, was tasked with defending the Srinagar Airfield against advancing tribal raiders supported by Pakistan. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers held their position with unwavering determination, enduring mortar bombardment and fierce attacks from the Lashkar, which surrounded their position on three sides. Sharma’s leadership and bravery were pivotal in keeping the troops motivated, even as casualties mounted.
Though Major Sharma and several soldiers lost their lives in the battle, the defenders successfully delayed the raiders’ advance, buying critical time for reinforcements to secure the airfield. The battle resulted in heavy losses for the tribal forces, with over 200 killed and more than 320 wounded. The stand of the Indian troops at Budgam ensured the security of the Srinagar Airfield, which was vital for the Indian Army’s operations. The battle remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.
CITATION
Maj Somnath Sharma
4 KUMAON (IC-521)
On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma’s company was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam in the Kashmir Valley . He reached his objective at first light on 3 November and took up a position south of Badgam at 1100hours. The enemy, estimated at about 500 attacked his company position from three sides; the company began to sustain heavy casualties.
Fully realizing the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both the aerodrome and Srinagar via Hum Hom, Major Somnath Sharma urged his company to fight the enemy tenaciously. With extreme bravery he kept rushing across the open ground to his sections exposing himself to heavy and accurate fire to urge them to hold on.
Keeping his nerve, he skillfully directed the fire of his sections into the ever-advancing enemy. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid out cloth strips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy.
Realising that casualties had affected the effectiveness of his light automatics, this officer whose left hand was in plaster, personally commenced filling magazines and issuing them to the light machine gunners. A mortar shell landed right in the middle of the ammunition resulting in an explosion that killed him.
Major Sharma’s company held on to list position and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrounded. His inspiring example resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours, thus gaining time for our reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance.
His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy by seven to one, six hours after this gallant officer had been killed.
He has set an example of courage and qualities seldom equalled in the history of the Indian Army. His last message to the Brigade Headquarters a few moments before he was killed was, ‘the enemy are 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.’
Srinagar → Budgam (24 km) → Doodhpathri (16 km) → Back to Srinagar
