T Lakshmana Pillai (3 May 1964 – 23 July 1950) was a well known composer and musician. He was the Principal of Swati Tirunal Music College, Thiruvananthapuram, prior to Muthiah Bhagavatar. He was known as Tamil Thyagaraja even prior to Papanasam Sivan. He was associated with the Madras Music Academy from its inception.
Lakshmana Pillai was a sensitive poet and serious moralist. His compositions amply reflect his sensitivity and concern for morality. His themes were philosophical, ethical, and patriotic – not devotional ones concerned with gods such as Bhagavan Rama and Bhagavan Sri Krishna.
He devise a new raga called Amarasenapriya in honor of the American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Lakshmana Pillai was a source of inspiration to many composers of later generations. He was honored with the titles such as “King of poet composers” and “Darling of Tamil music.”
The name of T Lakshmana Pillai is often linked with Nilakantha Shivan, a senior contemporary.