Nicholson, John (1821–1857)

British general and colonial administrator in India, born in Ireland. He was administrative officer at Bannu in the Punjab 1851–56, and was highly regarded for the justness of his rule. Promoted to brigadier general 1857 on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny, he defeated resistance in the Punjab, but was killed on 14 September during the storming of Delhi.

During the Afghan Wars, Nicholson assisted in the defence of Ghazni in 1841, but was ultimately captured and imprisoned at Kabul. He was eventually rescued by Sir George Pollock.