James Dewar Bourdillon (1811– 21 May 1883), was a British civil servant who worked in the Madras Presidency.
He was educated at home and then at a school at Ramsgate; having been nominated to an Indian writership, he proceeded to Haileybury College in 1828, and in the following year to Madras.
The report of the commission, which was written by Bourdillon, enforces in clear and vigorous language the enormous importance of works of irrigation, and of improved communications for the prevention of famines and the development of the country.
The writer's accurate knowledge of details and breadth of view render the report one of the most valuable state papers ever issued by an Indian government.
Working in concert with his friend and colleague, Sir Thomas Pycroft, he was instrumental in effecting reforms in the transaction of public business, both in the provinces and at the presidency.