Chattampi Swami (1853-1924) was the harbinger of renaissance and reformation in Kerala. His thoughts and work influenced the launching of many social, religious, literary and political organizations and movements in Kerala and for the first time gave voice to those who were marginalized. The book adds new dimensions to the understanding of the extraordinary figure of the late nineteenth century renaissance in India who made knowledge and spirituality integral to the social and democratic endeavor. It is a remarkable contribution to our understanding of the man behind the myth. The book which is a thoroughly revised and updated version of the earlier work in English; in 696 pages presents about 250 photographs of which many are rare archival items hitherto unpublished. It is a unique source for study of history of the second half of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century Kerala.