11 February 1865 - d. 10 September 1925) was an Indian politician, historian, linguist, astronomer and administrator who served as the second President of the Madras Legislative Council.

Swamikannu Pillai was born in a poor Indian Christian family of Madras Presidency on 11 February 1865.

In February 1925, Swamikannu Pillai took charge as the first elected President of the Madras Legislative Council.

[4] In his honour, the LD Swamikannu Pillai Endowment Lectures in philosophy were later established at the University of Madras.

[citation needed] Swamikannu Pillai died on 10 September 1925 at his home in Royapuram, aged 60.