About this book
At the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta War by George Alfred Henty transports listeners to early 19th-century India, where the fate of an empire hangs in the balance. This gripping historical fiction adventure follows a young protagonist caught in the tumultuous conflict between the British East India Company and the fractured Mahratta confederacy—a powerful force that once controlled vast territories spanning from Bombay to Delhi.
As internal rivalries between Mahratta leaders like Holkar and Scindia weaken their unified strength, the British seize the opportunity to expand their dominion across the Indian peninsula. Through vivid storytelling, Henty chronicles the military campaigns, political intrigue, and personal courage required during this pivotal war that reshaped the subcontinent. The narrative weaves together moments of danger and heroism, from naval missions to fierce battles, as characters navigate loyalty, treachery, and survival amid the chaos of colonialism.
Originally published in 1901 and illustrated by Wal Paget, this war story captures the complexity of a transformative historical period. Perfect for listeners who enjoy adventure tales rooted in real history, military narratives, or classic adventure literature, At the Point of the Bayonet offers an immersive journey into a defining moment that altered the course of Indian and British history.