Ravindra Kaushik was born into a patriotic family in the border town of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. His early life was shaped by the Indo‑Pakistan conflicts and a childhood steeped in discipline and learning.
“Kya Bharat jaise bade desh ke liye kurbani dene waalon ko yahi milta hai?”
(Is this what people who sacrifice their lives for a big country like India get?)
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ravindra Kaushik |
| Popular As | The Black Tiger, India’s Greatest Spy |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1952 |
| Date of Death | November 21, 2001 |
| Age at Death | 49 years |
| Birth Place | Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Hinduism (converted to Islam for mission) |
| Profession | RAW Agent, Intelligence Officer, Theatre Actor |
| Known For | Deep undercover operations in Pakistan |
| Code Name | The Black Tiger |
| Cover Identity | Nabi Ahmed Shakir |
Quick Facts Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Identity | Ravindra Kaushik (India) |
| Cover Identity | Nabi Ahmed Shakir (Pakistan) |
| Organization | Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) |
| Years of Service | 1975-1983 (undercover in Pakistan) |
| Position in Pakistan | Clerk in Pakistan Army’s Military Accounts Department |
| Mission Duration | 8 years (1975-1983) |
| Capture Date | September 1983 |
| Imprisonment | 1983-2001 (16 years) |
| Place of Death | Central Jail Mianwali, Pakistan |
| Cause of Death | Pulmonary tuberculosis and heart disease |
| Marital Status | Married (to Pakistani woman Amanat as cover) |
| Children | One son (died in 2012-2013) |
| Title Given By | Prime Minister Indira Gandhi |
| Legacy | India’s most celebrated undercover agent |
Family & Personal Life
Family Background
| Relation | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | J. M. Kaushik | Indian Air Force Officer |
| Mother | Amla Devi | Died in 2006 |
| Siblings | Yes | Limited public information |
| Wife (Cover) | Amanat | Married in Pakistan in 1976 as part of cover |
| Children | One son | Born in Pakistan; died in 2012-2013 |
| Hometown | Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | Border town near Punjab |
Personal Life Details
Ravindra Kaushik was born into a family with strong military connections. His father, J. M. Kaushik, served as an Indian Air Force officer, which likely influenced Ravindra Kaushik’s sense of duty and patriotism from an early age. His mother, Amla Devi, lived to see some recognition of her son’s sacrifice, passing away in 2006.
Being from Sri Ganganagar, a border town in Rajasthan near Punjab, Ravindra Kaushik grew up in a multilingual environment. He was native to Bagri, a local tonal language of Rajasthani, and was well-versed in Punjabi, which is widely spoken in both Indian and Pakistani Punjab. This linguistic background would prove invaluable for his espionage mission.
During his undercover mission in Pakistan, Ravindra Kaushik married a Pakistani woman named Amanat in 1976 to maintain his cover as Nabi Ahmed Shakir. This marriage resulted in a son, adding profound complexity to his double life. Tragically, his son died between 2012-2013, never having known his father’s true identity during Ravindra Kaushik’s lifetime.
Ravindra Kaushik’s family in India remained largely unaware of his whereabouts for years. The emotional burden on both Ravindra Kaushik and his family was immense. His mother, Amla Devi, spent years not knowing where her son was or what had happened to him.
Educational Background
| Level | Institution | Location | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Education | Local schools | Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | 1960s | Completed primary and secondary education |
| Bachelor of Commerce | S. D. Bihani P. G. College | Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | Early 1970s | B.Com degree, involved in theatre and debates |
| RAW Training | RAW Training School | Delhi | 1973-1975 | Two years of intensive intelligence training |
| Language Training | RAW Facility | Delhi | 1973-1975 | Urdu, Islamic studies, Pakistani culture |
| Law Degree (Cover) | Karachi University | Karachi, Pakistan | Mid-1970s | LL.B completed after infiltration |
Academic Journey
Ravindra Kaushik’s educational background was diverse and well-rounded. He completed his schooling in his hometown of Sri Ganganagar before pursuing higher education. Ravindra Kaushik earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from S. D. Bihani P. G. College in Sri Ganganagar.
During his college years, Ravindra Kaushik showed exceptional talent in theatre acting and debates. His involvement in dramatic arts wasn’t merely a hobby—it developed skills that would become crucial to his espionage career. Ravindra Kaushik’s ability to convincingly portray different characters and personas caught the attention of India’s intelligence agencies.
RAW Training and Transformation
Ravindra Kaushik’s education took a dramatic turn when he was recruited by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) while still in college. He underwent two years of intensive training in Delhi (1973-1975), which included:
- Urdu Language Mastery – Learning to speak, read, and write Urdu fluently with authentic Pakistani accent
- Islamic Religious Practices – Comprehensive study of Islam, Quranic verses, prayers, and Muslim customs
- Pakistani Culture and Society – Deep immersion in Pakistani social norms, history, and cultural practices
- Intelligence Tradecraft – Espionage techniques, communication methods, and operational security
- Survival Skills – Counter-interrogation techniques and survival training
- Identity Construction – Building a complete backstory as Nabi Ahmed Shakir
Education in Pakistan
After infiltrating Pakistan in 1975, Ravindra Kaushik further strengthened his cover by gaining admission to Karachi University, where he completed his LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) degree. This educational achievement in Pakistan served multiple purposes:
- Solidified his Pakistani identity
- Provided legitimate credentials
- Created a professional network
- Enabled access to educated circles
- Facilitated entry into government service
Ravindra Kaushik’s educational journey demonstrates how formal education combined with specialized intelligence training created the perfect foundation for deep-cover operations.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | ~70 kg (during active service) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Average build, fit |
| Complexion | Wheatish |
| Distinguishing Features | Underwent circumcision for cover identity |
| Languages Spoken | Hindi, Bagri, Punjabi, Urdu (fluent) |
| Physical Condition at Death | Severely deteriorated due to tuberculosis and heart disease |
Career Timeline
Intelligence Service Career
| Year | Position/Event | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Recruited by RAW | India | Beginning of espionage career while in college |
| 1973-1975 | Intensive Training (2 years) | Delhi, India | Identity transformation to Nabi Ahmed Shakir |
| 1975 | Infiltration into Pakistan | Pakistan | Crossed border with cover identity at age 23 |
| 1975-1976 | Establishing cover | Pakistan | Integrated into Pakistani society |
| Mid-1970s | Karachi University | Karachi | Completed LL.B degree to strengthen cover |
| 1976 | Marriage to Amanat | Pakistan | Married Pakistani woman to deepen cover |
| Late 1970s | Joined Pakistan Army | Pakistan | Employed as clerk in Military Accounts Department |
| 1979-1983 | Active Intelligence Work | Pakistan | Transmitted valuable intelligence to RAW for 4 years |
| September 1983 | Captured by ISI | Pakistan | Cover blown due to botched contact by another operative |
| 1983-1985 | Interrogation and Trial | Sialkot, Pakistan | Tortured for 2 years, sentenced to death in 1985 |
| 1985 | Death Sentence Commuted | Pakistan | Supreme Court commuted sentence to life imprisonment |
| 1985-2001 | Imprisonment (16 years) | Various Pakistani jails | Held in Sialkot, Kot Lakhpat, Mianwali |
| November 2001 | Death in custody | Central Jail Mianwali | Died from tuberculosis and heart disease at age 49 |
Detailed Biography
Early Life (1952-1970s)
Ravindra Kaushik was born on April 11, 1952, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, into a military family. His father, J. M. Kaushik, was an Indian Air Force officer, instilling patriotic values in young Ravindra Kaushik from childhood.
Growing up near the Pakistan border, Ravindra Kaushik was acutely aware of Indo-Pak tensions. He excelled in academics and developed a passion for theatre and debate during his college years at S. D. Bihani P. G. College.
Recruitment and Training (1973-1975)
While pursuing his B.Com, Ravindra Kaushik was recruited by RAW due to his acting abilities, intelligence, and patriotic spirit. He agreed to an extraordinary mission: infiltrating Pakistan under a false identity.
Ravindra Kaushik underwent two years of intensive training in Delhi (1973-1975):
- Converted to Islam and underwent circumcision
- Mastered Urdu language with Pakistani accent
- Learned Islamic practices, prayers, and theology
- Created detailed backstory as Nabi Ahmed Shakir
- Trained in espionage tradecraft and communication
Infiltration (1975)
In 1975, at age 23, Ravindra Kaushik crossed into Pakistan as Nabi Ahmed Shakir, a Muslim from Kashmir. This initial phase was extremely dangerous—any mistake could have been fatal.
Ravindra Kaushik gradually established his cover:
- Gained admission to Karachi University
- Completed LL.B degree
- Married Pakistani woman Amanat in 1976
- Fathered a son
- Built social network and credibility
Employment in Pakistan Army (Late 1970s)
Ravindra Kaushik secured employment as a clerk in the Pakistan Army’s Military Accounts Department. Though not a commissioned officer, this position provided valuable access to:
- Military financial records and budgets
- Personnel information and postings
- Procurement and acquisition data
- Organizational insights
- Strategic planning indicators
Active Intelligence Work (1979-1983)
From 1979 to 1983, Ravindra Kaushik actively transmitted intelligence to RAW. His information covered military finances, personnel movements, strategic priorities, and organizational dynamics. For this exceptional service, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally gave him the title “The Black Tiger.”
Ravindra Kaushik maintained perfect operational security for eight years, an extraordinary achievement in deep-cover operations.
Capture and Betrayal (September 1983)
In September 1983, RAW sent a low-level operative, Inyat Masih, to contact Ravindra Kaushik. Masih was exposed by Pakistan’s ISI, which led them to Ravindra Kaushik. His cover was blown—not by his own mistakes, but through someone else’s failure.
Interrogation (1983-1985)
Ravindra Kaushik was arrested and taken to Sialkot, where he was interrogated and tortured for two years. Despite severe physical and psychological torture, Ravindra Kaushik maintained operational security and never revealed information about other Indian agents.
In 1985, he was sentenced to death. The Supreme Court of Pakistan later commuted this to life imprisonment.
Imprisonment (1985-2001)
Ravindra Kaushik spent 16 years in various Pakistani prisons (Sialkot, Kot Lakhpat, Mianwali), enduring:
- Harsh conditions and poor sanitation
- Inadequate medical care
- Isolation from family
- Continued harassment
He managed to send secret letters to his family, expressing anguish at being forgotten. In one letter, Ravindra Kaushik wrote:
“Kya Bharat jaise bade desh ke liye kurbani dene waalon ko yahi milta hai?”
(Is this what people who sacrifice their lives for a big country like India get?)
Death (November 21, 2001)
Ravindra Kaushik developed pulmonary tuberculosis and heart disease. Despite his deteriorating health, he received inadequate medical treatment. On November 21, 2001, Ravindra Kaushik died in Central Jail Mianwali at age 49.
Pakistan refused to return his body to India. His family still doesn’t know his exact burial location.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Recognition
According to Ravindra Kaushik’s family, the Indian government initially refused to acknowledge him and made minimal efforts to secure his release. This abandonment deeply affected Ravindra Kaushik in his final years.
Posthumously, Ravindra Kaushik has been recognized as one of India’s greatest spies, with his story inspiring books, articles, and proposed films.
Film Connection
In 2012, Ravindra Kaushik’s family claimed that the Bollywood film “Ek Tha Tiger” was based on his life and requested credit. Director Kabir Khan denied the claim.
A biographical film titled “The Black Tiger” is reportedly in development to honor Ravindra Kaushik’s sacrifice.
Conclusion
Ravindra Kaushik, “The Black Tiger,” represents the highest ideals of intelligence service: complete dedication, operational excellence, and silent sacrifice. Though he died forgotten in a Pakistani prison, Ravindra Kaushik’s legacy as one of India’s greatest spies continues to inspire.
His story reminds us that behind every nation’s security are individuals who sacrifice everything—identity, family, freedom, and life itself—without expectation of recognition or reward.
Ravindra Kaushik lived and died in shadows, but his sacrifice illuminates the price of freedom and security that we often take for granted.
FAQ Section
1. Was Ravindra Kaushik a Major in Pakistan Army?
NO. This is a common myth. Ravindra Kaushik worked as a clerk in the Military Accounts Department, not as a commissioned officer.
2. How long did Ravindra Kaushik serve in Pakistan?
Ravindra Kaushik was undercover in Pakistan for 8 years (1975-1983), with active intelligence work from 1979-1983.
3. How was Ravindra Kaushik captured?
His cover was blown when another RAW operative, Inyat Masih, was compromised by ISI in September 1983.
4. How long was Ravindra Kaushik imprisoned?
Ravindra Kaushik was imprisoned for 16 years (1985-2001), not 18 as some sources claim.
5. Did Ravindra Kaushik have a family in Pakistan?
Yes, he married a Pakistani woman named Amanat in 1976 and had a son (who died in 2012-2013).
6. Who gave Ravindra Kaushik the title “Black Tiger”?
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally gave him this title.
7. Did the Indian government help Ravindra Kaushik?
According to his family, the government initially refused to recognize him and made minimal efforts to secure his release.
8. Where is Ravindra Kaushik buried?
Pakistan refused to return his body. The exact burial location in Pakistan remains unknown to his family.
9. Is “Ek Tha Tiger” based on Ravindra Kaushik’s life?
The family claimed this, but director Kabir Khan denied it.
10. What can we learn from Ravindra Kaushik’s story?
Ravindra Kaushik exemplifies ultimate patriotic sacrifice, operational excellence, and the hidden costs that protect national security.
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Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.