G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Through the Sikh War: A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub
"Through the Sikh War: A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young protagonist named Percy Groves, who embarks on an adventurous journey from England to India to join his uncle amidst the backdrop of the tumultuous Punjab region, which is on the brink of war. The book aims to relate the events of the two Sikh wars, providing both historical detail and thrilling narrative. At the start of the novel, Percy is introduced as a fifteen-year-old boy who has recently lost his father and longs for a life of adventure. After receiving a letter from his uncle, Colonel Roland Groves, inviting him to live in India, Percy decides to embark on this journey despite warnings about the dangers that lie ahead in the unsettled Punjab. The opening portion portrays Percy’s preparation for the voyage, his reflections on his father’s wishes regarding his future in the army, and his eagerness to learn the local languages to better integrate himself into his uncle's world. Additionally, we see hints of the political tensions in Punjab that foreshadow the conflicts Percy will soon find himself entangled in.