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R.N. Kao: A Complete Biography - Founder Chief of RAW
R.N. A Complete Biography - Founder Chief of R & AW
In the hidden corridors of India’s intelligence world, a legendary figure emerges — Rameshwar Nath Kao, better known as R.N. Kao. Born in Varanasi in 1918, Kao’s journey was destined to be one of immense significance to the nation he loved.
Through the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Kao embarked on a distinguished career in the government, but it was his appointment as the head of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) in 1968 that set the stage for his most influential role. Tasked with founding India’s external intelligence agency, Kao went on to become the visionary architect of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — an agency that would shape India’s national security landscape profoundly.
Despite his monumental achievements, R.N. Kao remained a private and humble figure, rarely seeking recognition for his work. This book is an effort to bring light on the remarkable achievements and the lesser-known aspects of R.N. Kao’s life, allowing his story to inspire and resonate with readers from all walks of life.
In the hidden corridors of India’s intelligence world, a legendary figure emerges — Rameshwar Nath Kao, better known as R.N. Kao. Born in Varanasi in 1918, Kao’s journey was destined to be one of immense significance to the nation he loved.
Through the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Kao embarked on a distinguished career in the government, but it was his appointment as the head of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) in 1968 that set the stage for his most influential role. Tasked with founding India’s external intelligence agency, Kao went on to become the visionary architect of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — an agency that would shape India’s national security landscape profoundly.
Despite his monumental achievements, R.N. Kao remained a private and humble figure, rarely seeking recognition for his work. This book is an effort to bring light on the remarkable achievements and the lesser-known aspects of R.N. Kao’s life, allowing his story to inspire and resonate with readers from all walks of life.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 23, 2025
A fascinating look into the life of R.N. Kao — the founding father of RAW
R.N. Kao: A Gentleman Spymaster by Vipul Kumar offers an engaging overview of the life and legacy of Rameshwar Nath Kao, India’s legendary spymaster and the first chief of RAW. The book traces his early years, his difficult childhood, his journey into the Indian Civil Services, and ultimately his pivotal role in establishing India’s external intelligence agency.
The biography highlights key episodes such as the Kashmir Princess plane-crash investigation, the formative years of India’s intelligence framework, and Kao’s significant contributions in the liberation and creation of Bangladesh. It also touches upon his behind-the-scenes involvement in the 1975 merger of Sikkim with India and his advisory role in shaping intelligence systems abroad, including his support in helping newly independent nations set up their own agencies.
While the subject is undeniably compelling and Kao’s life is remarkable, the book leans heavily on newspaper accounts and secondary narratives. A few noticeable spelling errors and weak proofreading slightly reduce the impact of an otherwise interesting read. Still, for anyone curious about India’s intelligence history or the enigmatic figure of R.N. Kao, this book offers an accessible and informative starting point !!
R.N. Kao: A Gentleman Spymaster by Vipul Kumar offers an engaging overview of the life and legacy of Rameshwar Nath Kao, India’s legendary spymaster and the first chief of RAW. The book traces his early years, his difficult childhood, his journey into the Indian Civil Services, and ultimately his pivotal role in establishing India’s external intelligence agency.
The biography highlights key episodes such as the Kashmir Princess plane-crash investigation, the formative years of India’s intelligence framework, and Kao’s significant contributions in the liberation and creation of Bangladesh. It also touches upon his behind-the-scenes involvement in the 1975 merger of Sikkim with India and his advisory role in shaping intelligence systems abroad, including his support in helping newly independent nations set up their own agencies.
While the subject is undeniably compelling and Kao’s life is remarkable, the book leans heavily on newspaper accounts and secondary narratives. A few noticeable spelling errors and weak proofreading slightly reduce the impact of an otherwise interesting read. Still, for anyone curious about India’s intelligence history or the enigmatic figure of R.N. Kao, this book offers an accessible and informative starting point !!
November 29, 2024
Very well written. Crisp and to the point covering all important aspects of Kao's contribution in RAW. Now that I know the gist, I will try and find more detailed renderings of Kao's different missions in RAW.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews