India's foreign intelligence organisation, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), is one of the most respected institutions in the world of espionage and foreign intelligence today. It has played a vital role in almost all the landmark events in India's recent history - from the 1971 war with Pakistan to the merger of Sikkim, from discovering Pakistan's nuclear programme to the recent Balakot operations. Yet, as it befits its role, very little is known about the organisation.

Equally little is known about its founder, Rameshwar Nath Kao or RNK. An intensely private man, RNK was the classical spymaster who operated in the shadows but built enduring institutions. A ruthless professional who believed in putting National interest above his personal preferences, RNK was also the creator of the secretive aviation research centre, India's premier technical intelligence agency. His finest hour was the role played by r&aw in the creation of Bangladesh.

Over half a century after R&AQ was founded and seventeen years after Kao's death. Nitin A. Gokhale puts together the story of the legend that was RNK. Based on reminiscences of family, professional colleagues and juniors, and using his personal papers, this biography is the first definitive account of life and times of R. N. Kao. This book is a tribute as much to Kao as to the organisation the created.