At the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta War


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.4 stars; 89 reviews)

At the Point of the Bayonet transports listeners to the tumultuous landscape of 19th-century India, where the British Empire's ambitions clash with the formidable Mahratta confederacy. As the Mahrattas, once the dominant power in the region, face internal strife and external threats, the stage is set for a gripping tale of conflict and conquest.

Through the eyes of G. A. Henty, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and military strategy. The Mahratta leaders, Holkar and Scindia, are embroiled in their own rivalries, which ultimately weaken their hold on power. Henty's portrayal of this historical period reveals the complexities of war, loyalty, and betrayal, as the British forces strive to establish their rule amidst the chaos.

This historical fiction not only recounts the battles fought but also delves into the moral ambiguities of colonialism, presenting a nuanced view of the characters involved. With vivid descriptions and a keen sense of the era, Henty invites listeners to reflect on the costs of empire and the nature of power.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Preface 2:32 Read by Lynne T
A Faithful Nurse Part 1 18:01 Read by Lynne T
A Faithful Nurse Part 2 23:05 Read by Lynne T
A Strange Bringing Up Part 1 28:23 Read by Dave Gillespie
A Strange Bringing Up Part 2 32:21 Read by Dave Gillespie
A Change In Affairs Part 1 18:04 Read by Soumen Barua
A Change In Affairs Part 2 24:10 Read by Soumen Barua
A British Resident Part 1 23:01 Read by Soumen Barua
A British Resident Part 2 22:39 Read by Soumen Barua
Down To Bombay Part 1 10:24 Read by Adele de Pignerolles
Down To Bombay Part 2 9:49 Read by Lynne T
Down To Bombay Part 3 9:58 Read by Lynne T
Down To Bombay Part 4 10:22 Read by Mike Pelton
In The Company Service Part 1 20:55 Read by Mike Pelton
In The Company Service Part 2 22:16 Read by Mike Pelton
An Act Of Treachery Part 1 19:37 Read by Soumen Barua
An Act Of Treachery Part 2 23:42 Read by Soumen Barua
Nana's Release Part 1 23:21 Read by Soumen Barua
Nana's Release Part 2 22:28 Read by Soumen Barua
A Popular Tumult Part 1 20:08 Read by Deon Gines
A Popular Tumult Part 2 18:00 Read by Deon Gines
A Mission By Sea Part 1 15:37 Read by Deon Gines
A Mission By Sea Part 2 23:01 Read by Deon Gines
A Prisoner Part 1 16:25 Read by Deon Gines
A Prisoner Part 2 17:49 Read by Deon Gines
The Defence Of Johore Part 1 17:27 Read by JaredHB
The Defence Of Johore Part 2 18:40 Read by JaredHB
The Break Up Of The Monsoon Part 1 19:47 Read by Michele Eaton
The Break Up Of The Monsoon Part 2 14:53 Read by Michele Eaton
The Great Andaman Part 1 17:26 Read by Lynne T
The Great Andaman Part 2 18:08 Read by Lynne T
Assaye Part 1 16:48 Read by Deon Gines
Assaye Part 2 20:52 Read by Deon Gines
A Disastrous Retreat Part 1 16:06 Read by Esther ben Simonides
A Disastrous Retreat Part 2 18:29 Read by Esther ben Simonides
An Escape Part 1 17:29 Read by Esther ben Simonides
An Escape Part 2 14:45 Read by Esther ben Simonides
An Awkward Position Part 1 12:18 Read by Esther ben Simonides
An Awkward Position Part 2 11:39 Read by Esther ben Simonides
An Awkward Position Part 3 8:30 Read by Esther ben Simonides
Bhurtpoor 16:02 Read by Rachel
Home Part 1 19:14 Read by Esther ben Simonides
Home Part 2 19:18 Read by Esther ben Simonides

Reviews

Suffers from some of the readers


(4 stars)

Standard Henty fare; well written, informative, British at it's best, Love it!!! Some of the book suffers due to readers being unable to pronounce Indian names and words (I laughed when the 'J's became Hispanic sounding 'H's - like In the Raha of Hohoray). Finally, will somebody please instruct Esther Ben Simonides how to read for public consumption?? I'm sure she means well, ALL the volunteers do, but she rushes through her chapters as though she's in a race or, more likely, rushing to get her homework finished!! Then when she slows down for a voice characterisation of dialogue, these BOOM out five times louder than the rest of the text (I think it's to make sure you're awake!!). Good effort Esther, but please slow down so we can catch up and try to stay at an even distance from the microphone so we don't keep reaching for the volume knob!!

Excellent Story. The Last reader spoils it a bit.


(4.5 stars)

Brilliant Story from the British point of view when they are trying to conquer another land... How they try to justify it, it is hilarious. But still a wonderful tale. Ruined a bit by the last reader. Also the ending I thought was abrupt.

a good listen


(4 stars)

Like all the other Henty stories I have listened to on Librivox, it illuminates a bit of history I don't know much about and does so in an entertaining way. Well worth a listen.

an interesting period piece


(4 stars)

though a little tedious at times, overall very interesting to hear about the circumstances surrounding the imperialization of India.


(5 stars)

Enjoyed the book. Disliked one of the readers who read as fast as she could not pronouncing her words clearly.


(5 stars)

Excellent Book and special thanks to all the Readers for bringing this book to life


(5 stars)

Interesting to hear the story from British view. Esther reads so quickly that it is very hard to understand all the words. Hopefully, she will read these reviews and enjoy the story more. I enjoy her voices and she has a pleasant voice. Just slow down and let the hearer sink into the story rather than fight the diction.

A LOT OF HISTORY


(4.5 stars)

A mpst informative examination of the wars in question. Most of the readers did a good job, but Esrher needs to understand that there is much more to good reading than breakneck speeding.