Srinivasa Ramanujan remains one of the most fascinating figures in the history of mathematics. Born into poverty in colonial India, with little formal training and limited access to academic resources, Ramanujan rose to global prominence through the sheer power of his intellect and intuition.
His story is not only about numbers and equations but also about perseverance, cultural barriers, faith, and an unshakable belief in destiny. Even today, more than a century after his most productive years, Ramanujan’s work continues to influence modern mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Early Life and Family Background
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, a small town in the Madras Presidency of British India (now Tamil Nadu). He grew up in the nearby town of Kumbakonam, where his father worked as a clerk in a sari shop and his mother was a homemaker who also sang devotional songs at a local temple. The family lived modestly, often struggling financially, but they placed great value on education and religious devotion.
From an early age, Ramanujan displayed an unusual aptitude for numbers. Unlike other children who learned arithmetic through repetition, Ramanujan seemed to grasp mathematical ideas intuitively. By the age of ten, he had already mastered advanced arithmetic concepts and consistently outperformed older students in school.
Early Exposure to Mathematics
A defining moment in Ramanujan’s life came when he encountered a book titled A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics by George S. Carr. This book, which contained thousands of mathematical theorems and formulas with little explanation, became Ramanujan’s constant companion. Instead of memorizing results, he began deriving them independently, developing original methods and notations.
This unconventional learning style strengthened his creativity but also caused problems in formal education. Ramanujan focused almost exclusively on mathematics, neglecting other subjects. As a result, he lost several scholarships and failed to complete a college degree, a setback that plunged him into financial uncertainty.
Struggles and Persistence
Between 1907 and 1912, Ramanujan lived in extreme poverty. He continued his mathematical research independently, recording his discoveries in notebooks filled with complex formulas and results. Despite his brilliance, he struggled to find employment or recognition in India, where academic institutions were often rigid and unprepared to recognize unconventional talent.
During this period, Ramanujan married Janaki Ammal, who would later become a silent pillar of support throughout his life. To survive, Ramanujan worked as a clerk while continuing his research late into the night, driven by an inner conviction that his work had divine significance.
The Letter That Changed Everything
In 1913, Ramanujan took a bold step that would change the course of his life. He wrote a letter to British mathematician G. H. Hardy at the University of Cambridge, enclosing pages of original mathematical results. Initially skeptical, Hardy soon realized that the formulas were the work of a genius of the highest order.
Hardy arranged for Ramanujan to travel to England, overcoming cultural, religious, and logistical barriers. In 1914, Ramanujan arrived in Cambridge, marking the beginning of one of the most remarkable collaborations in mathematical history.
Cambridge Years and Mathematical Breakthroughs
At Cambridge, Ramanujan worked closely with Hardy and John Edensor Littlewood. Although he struggled with the cold climate, cultural differences, and homesickness, his productivity soared. During this period, Ramanujan made groundbreaking contributions to number theory, infinite series, continued fractions, partitions, and modular forms.
Some of his most famous achievements include:
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The Hardy–Ramanujan formula for partition numbers
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Ramanujan prime numbers
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Mock theta functions
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Highly composite numbers
His work combined deep intuition with astonishing originality, often producing results that mathematicians would rigorously prove decades later.
Health Challenges and Return to India
Despite his success, Ramanujan’s health began to deteriorate during his years in England. Poor diet, stress, and the harsh climate contributed to chronic illness. By 1919, his condition worsened, and he returned to India in fragile health.
Even during illness, Ramanujan continued to work. Some of his final discoveries, including the enigmatic mock theta functions, were recorded shortly before his death.
Death and Legacy
Srinivasa Ramanujan died on April 26, 1920, at the age of 32. Though his life was short, his impact was immense. He left behind notebooks containing thousands of results, many of which are still being studied and understood today.
Ramanujan’s legacy lives on through institutions, scholarships, and international recognition. India celebrates National Mathematics Day on his birthday, honoring his contribution to science and education.
Influence on Modern Mathematics
Ramanujan’s ideas continue to influence modern research in mathematics and theoretical physics, including string theory and black hole entropy. His intuitive approach has inspired generations of mathematicians to think beyond conventional methods.
FAQs
Who was Srinivasa Ramanujan?
Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught Indian mathematician known for his extraordinary contributions to number theory and mathematical analysis.
Why is Ramanujan famous?
He is famous for producing original mathematical results with little formal training and for his collaboration with G. H. Hardy.
What are Ramanujan’s major contributions?
His major contributions include partition theory, infinite series, mock theta functions, and number theory.
How did Ramanujan die?
Ramanujan died at the age of 32 due to prolonged illness after returning to India from England.
Conclusion
The biography of Srinivasa Ramanujan is a timeless story of genius rising against all odds. His life reminds us that brilliance can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances and that passion, intuition, and perseverance can change the world. Ramanujan did not merely solve mathematical problems; he expanded the boundaries of human knowledge, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations across the globe.