James Burnes KH FRS (12 February 1801–19 September 1862) was a Scottish doctor and surgeon in India, who became physician-general of Bombay.

After taking minor posts in the medical service, he was successful in the open competition for the office of surgeon to the residency of Cutch State, quite recently in the hands of the East India Company.

The state was led by Deshalji II, a minor, and there was an incursion from Sindh that forced the British brigade to retire to Bhuj.

Burnes accompanied, as a volunteer, the field force which in 1825 expelled the Sindians.

[1] On his return home, Burns occupied himself with the local affairs of Forfarshire, where he was a justice of the peace.

His jurisdiction was later extended and he became Grand Master of all Scottish Freemasonry in India.

Later he started 2 lodges by the name of Rising Star of Western India, No.

He started Holy Royal Arch and other order including MMM/ RAM / Red Cross of babylon/ Cryptic degrees.

[1][4] A narrative of his visit to Sindh, sent in by Burnes as an official report to the resident at Cutch, was a contribution to the geography of India.

Both Scottish Lodges founded during Burnes' term as Grand Master continue to meet in Mumbai and Pune, India, (2019).