R. P. Sethu Pillai (1896-1961), was a Tamil scholar, writer and professor of Tamil at the University of Madras. Sethu pillai was born at Rajavallipuram, Tirunelveli District in 1896. He was educated and practiced as a lawyer. He became interested in Tamil after listening to a speech of Maraimalai Adigal at Palayamkottai in June 1912. In 1955, he won the first ever Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil for his series of essays titled Tamil inbam. 5] In 1957, he was awarded a D. Litt degree (honoris causa). Sethu pillai was a scholar of Tamil and wrote more than twenty five books. Among his notable works is his biography of Bishop Robert Caldwell titled Caldwell Aiyar Sarithram.