‘Monument Of National Importance’ Tag Removed From John Nicholson Statue (Image:nam.ac.uk)

The Indian government has withdrawn the ‘monument of national importance’ status from the statue of John Nicholson, a British General noted for his role in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This decision, as per sources, reflects ongoing efforts to reassess colonial-era symbols in India’s public spaces.

John Nicholson, a controversial figure, played a key role during the siege and recapture of Delhi, helping the British suppress the first major uprising against colonial rule. While celebrated for his military leadership by some, Nicholson’s methods during the rebellion have been widely criticised for their brutality.

The statue of Nicholson, originally installed at Kashmere Gate in Delhi in the late 19th century, was a prominent reminder of British imperial authority. After India’s independence in 1947, the monument became a point of contention, symbolising colonial oppression. In 1951, it was relocated to Nicholson Cemetery, a historical site containing the graves of many British officers and soldiers.