He was one of the earlier proponents of scientific study of hypnotism, departing from the earlier theory of animal magnetism by Franz Mesmer (after whom we have the word mesmerize). He was born in Goa to Saraswat Brahmin Christian parents who in turn were descents of Hindu Saraswat Brahmins. He along with his father had to escape to Paris when found involved in a plot to free Goa from Portugal. He has been immortalized by Alexander Dumas is his book The Count of Monte Cristo as a omniscient scholar who helps his fellow prisoner Edmond Dantès to escape from Château d'If?
Who is this son of Goa? (Picture above: His statue next to the Old Secretariat in Panaji, Goa)
