Nicholson Cemetery, Kashmiri Gate, Delhi

Nicholson Cemetery

Kashmiri Gate, Delhi

Although Delhi has been know for its pre Mughal and Mughal architecture and it does have its share of colonial architecture. Lutyen’s Delhi, consisting of the India Gate, Rastrapati Bhavan, Secretariat and the Parliament House, consists of the hub of British colonial architecture in Delhi.

Scattered graves at the Nicholson Cemetery, Kashmir Gate, Delhi

Among the lesser known colonial monuments is the Mutiny Memorial on Delhi North Ridge (Kamala Nehru Ridge) stands out so does the St. James’ Church near Kashmir Gate. Also near the Kashmir Gate lies the Nicholson Cemetery providing an interesting glimpses of Delhi’s colonial past.

Entrance of Nicholson Cemetery. L: from outside, R: from inside

The cemetery is the final resting place of hundred of Christians (both British and Indian) and its still in operation. Kashmiri Gate (Yellow & Red line intersection) is the nearest metro and the entrance to the Nicholson Cemetery lies very next to the Gate No. 4 of Kashmiri Gate’s yellow line.

Brigadier General John Nicholson’s grave, Nicholson Cemetery, Kashmir Gate, Delhi

A beautiful cottage styled arched gateway welcomes visitors into the cemetery. The gateway also doubles up as the living quarters of the cemetery’s caretaker and his family. The cemetery in named after Brigadier General John Nicholson, who is often considered by the British as the hero of the Revolt of 1857.

During the revolt of i857 John Nicholson was instrumental in breaching the defenses of rebels who were controlling the walled city of Shahjahanabad and in the process lost his life.

Epitaph of John Nicholson grave

He was shot near the Lahore Gate and was carried back to the camp. He died a slow and painful death.

He succumbed to his injuries only after he had heard the news of Delhi’s recapture by the British. Nicholson was a great swordsman and commander who effectively enjoyed the loyalty of his troops.

Such was Nicholson’s charisma, that his soldiers considered him as an incarnation of Vishnu and a cult called ‘Nikal Seyn’ developed around him. On the other hand Nicholson had little tolerance for superstition and was furious at their attempts to worship him.

According to legend his men who were hardened soldiers, gave up fighting after their commander’s death. They picked up flowers from his grave & went back to their homelands.

The grave of John Nicholson lies just right of the entrance and is fenced by an iron railing. The epitaph reads:

The grave of Brigadier General John Nicholson who led the assault of Delhi but fell in the hour of victory mortally wounded and died 23rd September 1857 aged 35

Grave of Yasudas Ramachandra

The Nicholson Cemetery, which is still active, is scattered with graves. During my visit in April 2017 the grass were overgrown making several graves inaccessible.

Many of the graves were in dilapidated condition and marble plaques were missing in several occasion.

Another important person to be buried in the Nicholson Cemetery is Yesudas Ramachandra, professor of Mathematics at Delhi Government College.

Master Ramachandra was one of the leading personalities of Delhi in the first half of 19^th century. A converted Christian, he was treated as a traitor by the rebels and had to flee Delhi during the Revolt of 1857. Upon his return to the vanquished city, the British did not treat him any better.

Scattered graves surrounded by over grown grass at Nicholson Cemetery, Kashmir Gate, Delhi

His grave is located on the right hand side of the central path almost at the end of the cemetery. The tomb with a damaged headstone has epitaphs in both English and Urdu. The English one reads:

Sacred in memory of

YASUDAS RAMCHANDRA

Professor of Mathematics at the Delhi Govt. Collegefrom 1844 to 1857. And afterwards for some time tutor of HRH the Maharaja of Patiala and Director of Public Instruction in that state.

Baptised 12^th March 1852

Died 11^th Aug 1880

“WHO EVER SHALL CONFESS ME BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I CONFESS ALSO BEFORE MY FATHER, WHICH IS IN HEAVEN”

Necessary Information:

Location: Kashmiri Gate (Yellow & Red line intersection) is the nearest metro and the entrance to the Nicholson Cemetery lies very next to the Gate No. 4 of Kashmir Gate’s yellow line.

Note: Photography is permitted and entry is free.