William Fraser (British India civil servant)

William Fraser (c. 1784 – 22 March 1835) was a British officer in the East India Company and an administrator in the Delhi Territory of British India. He is best known for his extensive knowledge of Indian culture, fluency in Persian and Hindustani, and his role in the politics of the region.

Fraser arrived in India in 1799 and quickly became proficient in local languages and customs. He served in various administrative positions, gaining a reputation for his understanding of the local population and his ability to negotiate effectively with Indian rulers and elites. He was instrumental in the consolidation of British power in the Delhi Territory.

Fraser was appointed Political Agent to the Delhi Territory in 1819. He was known for his close relationships with the local population, including figures like the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II and numerous members of the Delhi gentry. He advocated for a more lenient policy towards the deposed Mughal dynasty and worked to preserve elements of Mughal courtly culture. He amassed a significant collection of Indian art and manuscripts.

His progressive policies and his intimate relationships with Indian figures drew criticism from some within the East India Company, who viewed him with suspicion. He was assassinated in Delhi on 22 March 1835. The assassination was reportedly ordered by Nawab Shams ud-din Ahmad Khan of Ferozepur, who was later tried and executed for the crime. The circumstances surrounding Fraser's death remain a subject of some debate.