Alexander John Arbuthnot (1822-1907)


 * For others of the same name, see Alexander Arbuthnot.

Sir Alexander John Arbuthnot, KCSI, CIE (11 October 1822, Killaloe, Ireland – 10 June 1907) was a British official and writer. Educated at Rugby School.

Arbuthnot served in Madras (now Chennai) as the director of Public Instruction (1855); he was a key force in the incorporation of Madras University (1857); he was the chief secretary to the Madras Government (1862-67); he was a member of the Legislative Council (1867-72); he was a member of the Madras Executive Council; he served on the Viceroy's Executive Council (1875-80); he was acting Governor of Madras, India, for about three months, from 19 February 1872 to 15 May 1872. He later served as a member of the Council of the Secretary of State for India from 1888 to 1893.

Arbuthnot was honoured by the Crown with the titles of Knight Commander of The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (1873) and Companion of The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (CIE).

He was a noted amateur rose grower. He was son of Alexander Arbuthnot. His brother was Lt-General Sir Charles George Arbuthnot and his half-brother was Major-General George Bingham Arbuthnot. He was uncle of Brigadier-general Alexander George Arbuthnot.