1.6. Tiger Hills - Class 11 -English Yuvakbharati

 Author: General Ved Prakash Malik | Genre: Prose (Non-fiction/War Report)

1. Comprehensive Glossary

2. Introduction & Summary

Ice Breakers:

1. Discuss the meaning of the word 'report'—giving a spoken or written account of an event as a journalist or observer.

2. What factors make war stories or movies interesting? Discuss elements like bravery, strategy, and patriotism.

   
   

Summary:

"Tiger Hills" is an excerpt from the writings of General Ved Prakash Malik, who served as the 19th Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War. The text provides a factual and gripping account of the battle to recapture Tiger Hill, the most magnificent feature in the Drass sector. Due to its height and strategic location, the enemy could overlook the National Highway 1A, making its recapture vital for the Indian Army.

The report details the meticulously planned multi-directional assault involving the 18 Grenadiers, 8 Sikh, and 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, supported by over 200 artillery guns. Despite the treacherous terrain and freezing temperatures, Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled bravery, leading to the tricolour being hoisted atop Tiger Hill on July 4, 1999. This victory was a turning point in the war and a testament to the "indomitable spirit" of the Indian soldier.

3. HSC Board Activity Sheet Pattern (Prose Section)

A1. Global Understanding (2 Marks)

• Set 1: True or False

  1. Tiger Hill is located in the Drass sector. (True)

  2. The Indian Army used only 10 artillery guns for the assault. (False)

  3. General Ved Prakash Malik was the Army Chief during the Kargil War. (True)

  4. The final assault on Tiger Hill began on August 15th. (False)

  5. The 18 Grenadiers was one of the units involved in the capture. (True)

     
     

• Set 2: Complete the Web

  • Question: Identify the units involved in the capture of Tiger Hill.

  • Answer: 1. 18 Grenadiers. 2. 8 Sikh. 3. 1/11 Gorkha Rifles. 4. High Altitude Warfare School.

    
    

• Set 3: Chronological Order

  1. The announcement of the final capture of Tiger Hill.

  2. Start of the multi-directional assault.

  3. Media briefing by the Director-General of Military Operations.

  4. Initial reconnaissance of the enemy positions.

  5. Answer: 4 → 2 → 1 → 3

     
     

• Set 4: Multiple Choice

  • Question: Why was Tiger Hill strategically important?

    • (a) It was a famous tourist spot.

    • (b) It dominated the National Highway 1A.

    • (c) It had natural gold mines.

    • (d) It was near a major hospital.

  • Answer: (b) It dominated the National Highway 1A.

    
    

• Set 5: Identification

  1. The date the tricolour was hoisted: July 4, 1999.

  2. The Army Chief who authored the report: General Ved Prakash Malik.

     
     

A2. Complex Factual (2 Marks)

1. Question: Describe the physical features of Tiger Hill as mentioned in the text.

   • Answer: Tiger Hill is described as a "magnificent feature" and a "formidable" peak with steep sides and sharp ridges. Its pinnacle towers above the surrounding terrain, providing a commanding view of the area.

     
     

2. Question: Explain the strategy used by the Indian Army to recapture Tiger Hill.

   • Answer: The Army envisaged a multi-directional attack, involving a simultaneous assault from the North, East, and South. This was supported by massive artillery fire from 120 field guns and 88 other high-caliber weapons to soften enemy defenses.

     
     

3. Question: What were the challenges faced by the soldiers during the climb?

   • Answer: The soldiers had to climb near-vertical rock faces in freezing temperatures and darkness. They were constantly exposed to enemy fire from well-fortified positions and had to move across a "treacherous" and "lethal" terrain.

     
     

4. Question: Mention the awards received by General Ved Prakash Malik.

   • Answer: He is the recipient of the Param Vishishta Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishishta Seva Medal (AVSM), and the Raksha Medal.

     
     

5. Question: How was the victory at Tiger Hill reported to the nation?

   • Answer: The news was shared through a media briefing by the DGMO and eventually reached the Prime Minister, leading to national celebration as the tricolour was hoisted on the peak.

     
     

A3. Inference / Interpretation / Analysis (2 Marks)

1. Question: "Tiger Hill was the pinnacle of the Kargil War." Interpret this statement.

   • Answer: This means the battle for Tiger Hill was the most significant and intense part of the war. Its capture was a major psychological and strategic victory that signaled the inevitable defeat of the enemy forces.

     
     

2. Question: Analyze the importance of the "Tricolour" in the context of this report.

   • Answer: Hoisting the tricolour symbolizes the restoration of national pride and the successful eviction of intruders from Indian soil. It represents the "indomitable spirit" and sacrifice of the soldiers.

     
     

3. Question: Why does the report emphasize "multi-directional assault"?

   • Answer: A multi-directional attack confuses the enemy and prevents them from concentrating their fire in one direction. It illustrates the superior military planning and tactical brilliance of the Indian Army commanders.

     
     

4. Question: Interpret the meaning of "Reportage" based on the Ice Breakers.

   • Answer: Reportage is the act of reporting news or events for a magazine or newspaper. In this case, it is a detailed, factual account of a war event intended to inform the public of the historic victory.

     
     

5. Question: Analysis: How does the presence of over 200 artillery guns reflect the scale of the operation?

   • Answer: The use of such a large number of guns indicates that the operation was one of the largest and most critical of the war. It shows the Army's determination to provide maximum cover to the climbing infantry and ensure success.

     
     

A4. Personal Response (2 Marks)

1. Question: What qualities of a soldier do you admire the most?

   • Answer: (Personal Answer Example): I admire their courage to face death and their sense of duty toward the nation. Their ability to remain calm and focused in treacherous conditions, as seen at Tiger Hill, is truly inspirational.

     
     

2. Question: How can we support the families of martyrs in our daily lives?

   • Answer: We can support them by showing respect, offering help in their daily needs, and ensuring they feel a part of our social celebrations. Respecting their sacrifice is a duty of every citizen.

     
     

3. Question: Do you think "Peace" is better than "War"? Give reasons.

   • Answer: Yes, peace is always better as war brings huge "casualties" and destruction to both sides. However, as the report shows, war is sometimes necessary to protect a nation's "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity".

     
     

4. Question: If you were a journalist, how would you report a brave deed?

   • Answer: I would focus on the "factual" details while highlighting the human element of bravery. I would use "persuasive language" to make the readers feel the same pride and respect that I felt while witnessing the event.

     
     

5. Question: What "message" do you get from the victory at Tiger Hill?

   • Answer: The victory teaches us that no obstacle is too big when a team works with unity and determination. It reminds us of the heavy price of freedom and the importance of supporting our armed forces.

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