short essay on srinivasa ramanujan in 100 words

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 100 and 500 Words for School Students

• Updated on  
• Dec 21, 2023

Dr. S Ramanujan is recognized as one of the greatest Mathematicians in the world, owing to his contributions to this academic field. His most commendable works include “The Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society” and  “Ramanujan Summation” method. Also, his becoming a member of the “London Mathematical Society in Britain” is an achievement to be proud of. Acknowledging his dedication to the field of mathematics, in 2012, Dr. Manmohan Singh declared 22 December as “ National Mathematics Day ”. To learn more about this Math genius, let us explore the Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 150 and 500 words. 

Also Read: 20 Most Famous Indian Mathematicians

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 150 words

Here is an Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 150 words:

Also Read: Famous Mathematicians of All Times

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 500 words

Now, let us go through an Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 500 words:

Also Read: Ramanujan Fellowship

Ans: National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22 December each year as it is the birth date of Dr S Ramanujan.

Ans: “The Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society” was Ramanujan’s first published paper.

Ans: Dr Srinivasa Ramanujan lost his life to TB on 26 April 1920.

Related Reads:

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Ankita Singh

Ankita is a history enthusiast with a few years of experience in academic writing. Her love for literature and history helps her curate engaging and informative content for education blog. When not writing, she finds peace in analysing historical and political anectodes.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan

500 words essay on srinivasa ramanujan.

Srinivasa Ramanujan is one of the world’s greatest mathematicians of all time. Furthermore, this man, from a poor Indian family, rose to prominence in the field of mathematics. This essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan will throw more light on the life of this great personality.

                                                                                             Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan

Early Life of Srinivasa Ramanujan

Ramanujan was born in Erode on December 22, 1887, in his grandmother’s house.  Furthermore, he went to primary school in Kumbakonamwas when he was five years old.  Moreover, he would attend several different primary schools before his entry took place to the Town High School in Kumbakonam in January 1898.

At the Town High School, Ramanujan proved himself as a talented student and did well in all of his school subjects. In 1900, he became involved with mathematics and began summing geometric and arithmetic series on his own.

In the Town High School, Ramanujan began reading a mathematics book called ‘Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure Mathematics’. Furthermore, this book was by G. S. Carr.

With the help of this book, Ramanujan began to teach himself mathematics . Furthermore, the book contained theorems, formulas and short proofs. It also contained an index to papers on pure mathematics.

His Contribution to Mathematics

By 1904, Ramanujan’s focus was on deep research. Moreover, an investigation took place by him of the series (1/n). Moreover, calculation took place by him of Euler’s constant to 15 decimal places. This was entirely his own independent discovery.

Ramanujan gained a scholarship because of his outstanding performance in his studies. Consequently, he was a brilliant student at Kumbakonam’s Government College. Moreover, his fascination and passion for mathematics kept on growing.

In the spring of 1913, there was the presentation of Ramanujan’s work to British mathematicians by Narayana Iyer, Ramachandra Rao and E. W. Middlemast. Afterwards, M.J.M Hill did not made an offer to take Ramanujan on as a student, rather, he provided professional advice to him. With the help of friends, Ramanujan sent letters to leading mathematicians at Cambridge University and was ultimately selected.

Ramanujan spent a significant time period of five years at Cambridge. At Cambridge, collaboration took place of Ramanujan with Hardy and Littlewood. Most noteworthy, the publishing of his findings took place there.

Ramanujan received the honour of a Bachelor of Arts by Research degree in March 1916. This honour was due to his work on highly composite numbers, sections of the first part whose publishing had taken place the preceding year. Moreover, the paper’s size was more than fifty pages long.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan is a man whose contributions to the field of mathematics are unmatchable. Furthermore, experts in mathematics worldwide all recognize his tremendous worth. Most noteworthy, Srinivasa Ramanujan made his country proud at a time when India was still under British occupation.

FAQs For Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan

Question 1: What is Srinivasa Ramanujan famous for?

Answer 1: Srinivas Ramanujan is famous for his discoveries that have influenced several areas of mathematics. Furthermore, he is famous for his contributions to number theory and infinite series. Moreover, he came up with fascinating formulas that facilitate in the calculation of the digits of pi in unusual ways.

Question 2: What is the special quality of number 1729 discovered by Srinivasa Ramanujan?

Answer 2:  Srinivas Ramanujan discovered that the number 1729 had a special characteristic.  Furthermore, this quality is that the number 1729 is the only number whose expression can take place as the sum of the cubes of two different sets of numbers. Consequently, people call 1729 the magic number.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Srinivasa Ramanujan Essay in 100 Words

Are you also looking for Srinivasa Ramanujan essay in 100 words ? If yes, then you have fallen on the world’s best website essayduniya.com. If you are searching Srinivasa Ramanujan essay in 100 words, essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan, essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in English, Srinivasa Ramanujan essay in English, Srinivasa Ramanujan paragraph, essay on Ramanujan then your wait ends here.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a mathematician who worked in India in the early 1900s. He was known for his work in the field. The year 1887 was his year of birth, and 1920 was the year he passed away. Mathematics and number theory where his main areas of study, and he was responsible for a great variety of important discoveries and proofs in those fields. Both the “Father of Mathematical Statistics” and the “Father of the Ramanujan Prime” are titles that are often used to refer to him today.

Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan 150 words

National Mathematics Day is held every year on December 22, which is Srinivasa Ramanujan’s birthday. He was born on December 22, 1887. He was born into a family that did not have a lot of money. They were unable to follow their interests due to a lack of cash support.

It is claimed that Ramanujan was capable of expressing a mathematical problem in more than a hundred different manners. Due to the fact that he focused on this area, he is now known around the world as a mathematics expert. Srinivasa Ramanujan was born in 1887 and died in 1920. He is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant mathematicians of the 20th century. 

He was a genius who educated himself, and he came up with some of the most incredible equations that have ever been found. The most “numerical” aspects of mathematics, which refer to the aspects of mathematics that deal with numbers, were among the themes that he worked on.  Because of his talent, he was able to break down the basic concepts behind the mathematical term, so revealing the original purpose.

Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan 200 words

Srinivasa Ramanujan was an outstanding mathematician who was also a shining example of India’s rich cultural heritage. Srinivasa Ramanujan was a brilliant Indian mathematician who lived in the early 20th century. On December 22nd, 1887, he was born in Madras, India, when the region was still ruled by the British.

In the beginning, he did not have any interest in the traditional forms of education. Before reaching the age of 15, he had already achieved knowledge in several areas of study of mathematics. In 1904, he was awarded the K. Ranganatha Rao medal for his achievements in mathematics. Janakiammal was his wife on their wedding day, which took place on July 14, 1909.

In the time that he spent in Cambridge, he developed a strong friendship with the famous mathematician Hardy. He wrote a large number of books, each of which contains his many ideas and equations. On the 26th of April in the year 1920, he passed away at the age of 32. He was the one who presented the Hardy-Ramanujan Number 1729.

Winter Season Essay Human Rights Day Essay essay on rbi digital currency Essay on Importance of Fitness Essay on 5G Technology in English our culture is our pride essay Dangers of Drug Abuse Essay

Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan 250 words

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a brilliant mathematician who was born and raised in India in the early 1900s. Srinivasa Ramanujan did not have a childhood that was typical of other children ’s learning and development. The fact that Ramanujan did not start talking until he was three years old caused his parents anxiety that he would have a hearing loss.

He was skilled in a wide variety of areas. Despite having previously achieved first place on the entrance exam, Ramanujan was unsuccessful in completing the 12th grade on two separate occasions. Early on in his educational life, Ramanujan did his work in Tamil. He didn’t feel like studying at first. On the other hand, on the test for primary school, he received the highest score in the entire district.

He decided to further his education by registering in an advanced secondary school for the first time, and it was there that he started to focus on mathematics. Since he was a little boy, Ramanujan has never been one to shy away from a good question. And it was his custom to ask questions of such a nature that they would throw the teachers off their train of thinking. He was really quite eager to find out whether there were any questions that needed answering.

It is said that he questioned his teachers on topics such as, “Who was the first person in the world?” What makes the ground and the sky two completely different environments? How vast is the ocean, and how far does it go down? Etc.

Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan 300 words

SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN EARLY YEARS

Ramanujan was born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, on December 22, 1887, in the home of his grandmother. Also, he went to Kumbakonam Seemed to be Primary School when he was five years old. Before he went to Kumbakonam’s Town High School in January 1898, he went to several primary schools.

Ramanujan did well in all of his classes at Town High School, which showed how smart he was. He became interested in math around the year 1900. He started adding up mathematical and geometric series on his own. With the help of this book, Ramanujan began to teach himself math. There were also clear proofs, formulas, and equations in the book. There was also a list of works on pure mathematics

MATHEMATICAL CONTRIBUTION

In 1904, Ramanujan started to focus on deep research. He also did some research on the show (1/n). He also calculated the constant of Euler to 15 decimal places. He came up with this conclusion on his own. Because Ramanujan did so well in school, he was given a scholarship. Because of this, he did well in school at Kumbakonam’s Government College. He also got more and more interested in and excited about math.

Ramanujan went to Cambridge for a total of five years. Hardy and Littlewood also worked at Cambridge, where Ramanujan did as well. The most important thing is that his research was published there. In March 1916, Ramanujan got a Bachelor of Arts with a Research degree, which was a big deal. Because of his work on composite numbers, which was included in the first part and came out the year before, he was given this award. Also, there were more than fifty pages in the document.

Srinivasa Ramanujan is the only person who has made as many contributions to math as he has. Mathematicians all over the world agree on how important he is. The most important thing Srinivasa Ramanujan did was make India proud while it was still ruled by the British.

Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan 500 words

INTRODUCTION

One of the most brilliant mathematicians who ever lived, Srinivasa Ramanujan is regarded to be among the all-time greats in the field. In addition to this, despite coming from a humble Indian background, he managed to carve out a leading place for himself in the field of math. 

On December 22, 1887, Ramanujan was born in Erode. He was born in a home that belonged to his grandmother. In addition to that, he started primary school in Kumbakonamwas when he was only five years old, despite the fact that he was born there. Additionally, he would go to a number of primary schools before registering in the Town High School in Kumbakonam in January of 1898. This would take place before his entrance into the high school.

Ramanujan showed that he was a talented student and excelled in all of the academic subjects that he was required to study while he was enrolled at the Town High School. Around the year 1900, he started taking an interest in mathematics and began independently adding geometric and arithmetic series. When Ramanujan was a student at Town High School, he started reading a mathematics book called “Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure Mathematics.” Additionally, G. S. Carr was the author of this piece of writing.

Ramanujan got his start as a mathematician by reading this book and teaching himself the subject on his own. In addition to it, the book had theorems, formulas, and simplified versions of the relevant proofs. In addition to that, it included an index of publications on basic mathematical topics.

SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN IS MOST WELL-KNOWN FOR

Srinivas Ramanujan is well-known for making discoveries that have had a significant impact on a variety of subfields within mathematics. Additionally, he is well-known for the contributions he made to the fields of number theory and infinite series.  In addition to this, he created remarkable formulas that, when used, make it possible to calculate the digits of pi in a variety of new directions.

The contributions that Srinivasa Ramanujan made to the discipline of mathematics are incomparable to those of any other individual. Additionally, mathematicians from all across the world agree that he is extremely valuable because of his many contributions. Most notably, Srinivasa Ramanujan brought honor to India during a period when the country was still ruled by the British. This achievement is especially notable given that India was still colonized at the time.

Winter Season Essay Human Rights Day Essay essay on rbi digital currency Essay on Importance of Fitness Essay on 5G Technology in English Essay on the Our Culture, Our Pride Dangers of Drug Abuse Essay

Do tell us in the comment box how you like my Srinivasa Ramanujan essay in 100 words? Next, on which topic do you want a speech or an essay, do tell us by commenting! We are waiting for your comments…!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on Ramanujan

Students are often asked to write an essay on Ramanujan in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Ramanujan

Ramanujan’s early life.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, India. His family was poor, but they valued education. Ramanujan was a bright student and showed a deep interest in mathematics from an early age.

Ramanujan’s Mathematical Genius

Ramanujan’s talents in mathematics were extraordinary. He developed his own mathematical research, without formal training. His work included series, number theory, and continued fractions.

Ramanujan’s Legacy

Ramanujan passed away at a young age of 32, but his contributions to mathematics continue to inspire. His work opened up new areas of research and his notebooks are still being studied for undiscovered theorems.

250 Words Essay on Ramanujan

Introduction.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician, is a symbol of genius and perseverance. Despite his lack of formal training and education, he made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions.

Early Life and Education

Born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, in 1887, Ramanujan showed an early aptitude for mathematics. He was largely self-taught, relying on borrowed books and independent research. His lack of interest in other subjects led to his failure in obtaining a formal degree, which hindered his academic career.

Contributions to Mathematics

Ramanujan’s breakthrough came when he started a correspondence with British mathematician G.H. Hardy in 1913. Recognizing Ramanujan’s raw talent, Hardy invited him to Cambridge University. Together, they produced groundbreaking work on infinite series and prime numbers. Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3900 results, most of which were correct and original.

Ramanujan’s work continues to inspire and influence the mathematical world. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the universality of knowledge. Despite his early death at the age of 32, his contributions to the field of mathematics continue to be relevant and widely studied.

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan, the self-taught mathematician, proved that talent and passion can overcome any obstacles. His life and work remind us that formal education is not the only path to success, and that the pursuit of knowledge can lead to remarkable discoveries.

500 Words Essay on Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the greatest mathematical geniuses of the 20th century, was an Indian mathematician who, despite his lack of formal training, made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions. His life and work remain a source of inspiration for mathematicians and scientists around the world.

Born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, in 1887, Ramanujan displayed a natural affinity for mathematics from a young age. He was largely self-taught, using textbooks like G.S. Carr’s “Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure Mathematics” to learn advanced topics. His work started to gain attention when he began to submit papers to the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society.

Recognition and Collaboration

Ramanujan’s breakthrough came when he started corresponding with the British mathematician G.H. Hardy in 1913. Hardy, recognizing the Indian clerk’s extraordinary talent, invited him to Cambridge University. This collaboration led to several seminal papers, including work on the partition function, which counts the ways a number can be expressed as a sum of positive integers.

Ramanujan’s work was characterized by a blend of intuition and rigorous mathematical proof. His results on infinite series, number theory, and elliptic functions were groundbreaking. His work on the properties of the partition function, particularly the asymptotic formula, has been fundamental in the field of additive number theory.

One of his most remarkable contributions was the discovery of the “mock theta functions”, which were only fully understood and appreciated decades after his death. These functions have found applications in areas as diverse as quantum mechanics and black hole physics.

Ramanujan’s life was tragically cut short by illness in 1920, but his legacy lives on. His notebooks, filled with thousands of unpublished theorems, continue to inspire and challenge mathematicians. The Ramanujan Journal, an international publication devoted to all areas of mathematics influenced by his work, testifies to his enduring impact on the field.

Moreover, his life story has inspired numerous books and films, and his birthday, December 22, is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in India.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a largely self-taught mathematician from a small town in India, made profound contributions to the field of mathematics that continue to resonate today. His life and work demonstrate the power of innate talent and passion, showing that extraordinary achievements can come from the most unexpected places. Ramanujan’s story serves as a testament to the universal language of mathematics and its ability to bridge cultures and continents.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Favourite Place Ooty
• Essay on Ooty
• Essay on My Son

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Short Essay: Srinivasa Ramanujan

A couple of short essay examples about Srinivasa Ramanujan.

Table of Contents

Srinivasa Ramanujan Essay Example 1

Srinivasa Ramanujan is a name that echoes in the halls of mathematics. He was an Indian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His work on number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions was particularly noteworthy. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Ramanujan’s brilliance was recognized by mathematicians in Europe, and he eventually became a Fellow of the Royal Society. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the life and work of Srinivasa Ramanujan.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, a small town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. From a young age, he exhibited an extraordinary talent for mathematics. He had an innate ability to solve complex equations and problems that were beyond the reach of his peers. However, his formal education was limited, and he was forced to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. Despite this setback, Ramanujan continued to explore mathematics on his own and worked tirelessly to develop his skills.

One of Ramanujan’s most significant contributions to mathematics was his work on number theory. He developed a new theory of partitions that allowed mathematicians to solve problems related to the distribution of integers. His work on the partition function has since become an essential tool in many areas of mathematics. Ramanujan also made significant contributions to the theory of modular forms, elliptic functions, and continued fractions. His work on the Riemann hypothesis, a problem that has eluded mathematicians for over a century, is still being studied today.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Ramanujan faced many challenges during his lifetime. He struggled to gain recognition for his work, and his lack of formal education made it difficult for him to communicate his ideas to other mathematicians. However, his persistence and determination eventually paid off, and his work was recognized by mathematicians in Europe.

In 1913, Ramanujan wrote a letter to the famous British mathematician G.H. Hardy, in which he described some of his work on number theory. Hardy was so impressed by Ramanujan’s work that he invited him to England to work with him at Cambridge University. Ramanujan accepted the invitation, and he spent the next few years in England, where he made significant contributions to the field of mathematics.

Ramanujan’s brilliance was finally recognized by the mathematical community, and he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918. This was a significant achievement for an Indian mathematician at the time, and it helped to pave the way for other mathematicians from India and other countries to gain recognition in the field of mathematics.

Sadly, Ramanujan’s life was cut short when he died of tuberculosis at the young age of 32. However, his legacy lives on, and his work continues to be studied and admired by mathematicians around the world. Ramanujan’s story is a testament to the power of human perseverance and the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent, no matter how unconventional it may be.

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan was a remarkable mathematician who overcame numerous obstacles to make significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His work on number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions remains an essential part of modern mathematics. Despite facing many challenges during his lifetime, Ramanujan’s brilliance was eventually recognized, and he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. His legacy continues to inspire mathematicians around the world, and his story serves as a reminder that talent can come from anywhere and that it is essential to nurture and support it.

Srinivasa Ramanujan Essay Example 2

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught Indian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. Despite facing significant challenges in his life, including poverty and illness, Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics have had a lasting impact on the field. In this essay, I will discuss Ramanujan’s life, his work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, and the lasting impact he has had on mathematics.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. He was a self-taught mathematician who had a natural talent for numbers. At the age of 16, Ramanujan discovered a book on advanced trigonometry, and he started working on solving problems in the book. By the age of 18, he had developed his own theorems and formulas. In 1911, Ramanujan sent a letter to the famous British mathematician G. H. Hardy, who recognized his genius and invited him to study at the University of Cambridge.

Ramanujan’s work focused on number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. He developed many new theorems and formulas, including the Ramanujan prime, Ramanujan theta function, and Ramanujan’s sum. His work on the partition function, which counts the number of ways a number can be expressed as a sum of integers, has had a significant impact on computer science and cryptography. Ramanujan’s work also had a profound influence on the development of modern mathematics, including the study of modular forms and the Langlands program.

Despite facing significant challenges in his life, including poverty and illness, Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics have had a lasting impact on the field. He died at the age of 32, but his legacy continues to inspire mathematicians around the world. In recognition of his contributions to mathematics, the Indian government declared December 22, Ramanujan’s birthday, as National Mathematics Day in 2012. The Ramanujan Prize, awarded annually by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, is named in his honor, and the Ramanujan Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics at the University of Madras is dedicated to his memory.

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught Indian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His work focused on number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, and he developed many new theorems and formulas. Despite facing significant challenges in his life, including poverty and illness, Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics have had a lasting impact on the field. His legacy continues to inspire mathematicians around the world, and his work remains an important part of modern mathematics.

Srinivasa Ramanujan Essay Example 3

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught mathematician from India who made significant contributions to Number Theory. His life and work have been an inspiration to mathematicians around the world. Despite facing many obstacles, he was able to establish himself as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. In this essay, we will explore the life and work of Srinivasa Ramanujan, and how his contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born in Erode, a small town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, in 1887. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in mathematics and was able to teach himself the subject by reading books and working on problems. He was largely self-taught and did not have any formal education in mathematics. Despite this, he was able to make significant contributions to Number Theory, which is the study of the properties of numbers and their relationships.

Ramanujan’s early work focused on the theory of partitions, which is the study of the ways in which a number can be expressed as a sum of other numbers. He was able to develop a number of new results in this area and published his first paper on the subject in 1916. This paper attracted the attention of mathematicians in Europe, who were impressed by the depth and originality of his work.

Despite the initial interest in his work, Ramanujan faced significant challenges in getting his ideas accepted by the mathematical community. Many of his theories were dismissed as being too abstract or lacking in rigor. In order to prove the validity of his ideas, Ramanujan had to work tirelessly, often spending long hours alone in his room working on proofs.

One of the most significant breakthroughs in Ramanujan’s career came when he was able to prove the validity of his theory on the partition function. This theory had been the subject of much debate among mathematicians, but Ramanujan was able to provide a new and elegant proof that convinced many of its validity. This proof established him as one of the leading mathematicians of his time, and his work continued to inspire others for years to come.

Ramanujan’s legacy continues to inspire mathematicians around the world. His contributions to Number Theory have had a lasting impact on the field, and many of his ideas continue to be studied and developed by mathematicians today. In addition to his work in mathematics, Ramanujan was also known for his deep spirituality and his belief in the mystical nature of numbers. This combination of mathematical genius and spiritual insight has made him a unique figure in the history of mathematics.

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught mathematician from India who made significant contributions to Number Theory. Despite facing many obstacles, he was able to establish himself as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. His work was initially dismissed by Western mathematicians until he was able to prove the validity of his theories. Ramanujan’s legacy continues to inspire mathematicians around the world, and his contributions to the field have had a lasting impact.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

Srinivasa Ramanujan

(1887-1920)

Who Was Srinivasa Ramanujan?

After demonstrating an intuitive grasp of mathematics at a young age, Srinivasa Ramanujan began to develop his own theories and in 1911, he published his first paper in India. Two years later Ramanujan began a correspondence with British mathematician G. H. Hardy that resulted in a five-year-long mentorship for Ramanujan at Cambridge, where he published numerous papers on his work and received a B.S. for research. His early work focused on infinite series and integrals, which extended into the remainder of his career. After contracting tuberculosis, Ramanujan returned to India, where he died in 1920 at 32 years of age.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, India, a small village in the southern part of the country. Shortly after this birth, his family moved to Kumbakonam, where his father worked as a clerk in a cloth shop. Ramanujan attended the local grammar school and high school and early on demonstrated an affinity for mathematics.

When he was 15, he obtained an out-of-date book called A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics , Ramanujan set about feverishly and obsessively studying its thousands of theorems before moving on to formulate many of his own. At the end of high school, the strength of his schoolwork was such that he obtained a scholarship to the Government College in Kumbakonam.

A Blessing and a Curse

However, Ramanujan’s greatest asset proved also to be his Achilles heel. He lost his scholarship to both the Government College and later at the University of Madras because his devotion to math caused him to let his other courses fall by the wayside. With little in the way of prospects, in 1909 he sought government unemployment benefits.

Yet despite these setbacks, Ramanujan continued to make strides in his mathematical work, and in 1911, published a 17-page paper on Bernoulli numbers in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society . Seeking the help of members of the society, in 1912 Ramanujan was able to secure a low-level post as a shipping clerk with the Madras Port Trust, where he was able to make a living while building a reputation for himself as a gifted mathematician.

Around this time, Ramanujan had become aware of the work of British mathematician G. H. Hardy — who himself had been something of a young genius — with whom he began a correspondence in 1913 and shared some of his work. After initially thinking his letters a hoax, Hardy became convinced of Ramanujan’s brilliance and was able to secure him both a research scholarship at the University of Madras as well as a grant from Cambridge.

The following year, Hardy convinced Ramanujan to come study with him at Cambridge. During their subsequent five-year mentorship, Hardy provided the formal framework in which Ramanujan’s innate grasp of numbers could thrive, with Ramanujan publishing upwards of 20 papers on his own and more in collaboration with Hardy. Ramanujan was awarded a bachelor of science degree for research from Cambridge in 1916 and became a member of the Royal Society of London in 1918.

Doing the Math

"[Ramanujan] made many momentous contributions to mathematics especially number theory," states George E. Andrews, an Evan Pugh Professor of Mathematics at Pennsylvania State University. "Much of his work was done jointly with his benefactor and mentor, G. H. Hardy. Together they began the powerful "circle method" to provide an exact formula for p(n), the number of integer partitions of n. (e.g. p(5)=7 where the seven partitions are 5, 4+1, 3+2, 3+1+1, 2+2+1, 2+1+1+1, 1+1+1+1+1). The circle method has played a major role in subsequent developments in analytic number theory. Ramanujan also discovered and proved that 5 always divides p(5n+4), 7 always divides p(7n+5) and 11 always divides p(11n+6). This discovery led to extensive advances in the theory of modular forms."

But years of hard work, a growing sense of isolation and exposure to the cold, wet English climate soon took their toll on Ramanujan and in 1917 he contracted tuberculosis. After a brief period of recovery, his health worsened and in 1919 he returned to India.

The Man Who Knew Infinity

Ramanujan died of his illness on April 26, 1920, at the age of 32. Even on his deathbed, he had been consumed by math, writing down a group of theorems that he said had come to him in a dream. These and many of his earlier theorems are so complex that the full scope of Ramanujan’s legacy has yet to be completely revealed and his work remains the focus of much mathematical research. His collected papers were published by Cambridge University Press in 1927.

Of Ramanujan's published papers — 37 in total — Berndt reveals that "a huge portion of his work was left behind in three notebooks and a 'lost' notebook. These notebooks contain approximately 4,000 claims, all without proofs. Most of these claims have now been proved, and like his published work, continue to inspire modern-day mathematics."

A biography of Ramanujan titled The Man Who Knew Infinity was published in 1991, and a movie of the same name starring Dev Patel as Ramanujan and Jeremy Irons as Hardy, premiered in September 2015 at the Toronto Film Festival.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Srinivasa Ramanujan
• Birth Year: 1887
• Birth date: December 22, 1887
• Birth City: Erode
• Birth Country: India
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Srinivasa Ramanujan was a mathematical genius who made numerous contributions in the field, namely in number theory. The importance of his research continues to be studied and inspires mathematicians today.
• Education and Academia
• Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
• University of Madras
• Cambridge University
• Nacionalities
• Death Year: 1920
• Death date: April 26, 1920
• Death City: Kumbakonam
• Death Country: India

We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us !

CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Srinivasa Ramanujan Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/scientists/srinivasa-ramanujan
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: September 10, 2019
• Original Published Date: September 10, 2015

Famous Mathematicians

Archimedes: The Mathematician Who Discovered Pi

Benjamin Banneker

22 Famous Scientists You Should Know

Charles Babbage

Blaise Pascal

Leonhard Euler

Ada Lovelace

Valerie Thomas

Mary Jackson

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan 500+ Words

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a name that shines brightly in the world of mathematics, was a genius beyond compare. His life story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities of the human mind. In this essay, we will delve into the incredible journey of Srinivasa Ramanujan and the profound impact he had on the field of mathematics.

A Humble Beginning

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. From a young age, he showed a deep fascination for numbers and mathematics. His journey into the world of math began with simple equations and puzzles, which he solved with remarkable ease. Even though he had limited formal education, his innate talent was evident to those around him.

The Genius Emerges

Ramanujan’s extraordinary talent was discovered when he started sending his mathematical discoveries to mathematicians in India and England. One of his most significant correspondences was with the famous British mathematician G.H. Hardy. Hardy recognized Ramanujan’s exceptional abilities and invited him to come to England, where he could further develop his mathematical skills.

Overcoming Challenges

Leaving India and traveling to England was not an easy journey for Ramanujan. He faced numerous challenges, including adjusting to a new culture and dealing with health issues. Yet, his passion for mathematics remained unwavering. Despite these obstacles, he continued to make groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Contributions to Number Theory

Ramanujan’s work primarily focused on number theory, a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relationships of numbers. He made numerous discoveries that revolutionized this field. One of his most famous contributions is the Ramanujan Prime, a formula for calculating prime numbers. His groundbreaking theorems and formulas continue to be studied and revered by mathematicians worldwide.

The Ramanujan-Hardy Collaboration

Ramanujan’s collaboration with G.H. Hardy was instrumental in advancing mathematical knowledge. Together, they worked on complex mathematical problems and made significant breakthroughs. Their partnership resulted in a deeper understanding of areas like the theory of partitions and the Riemann zeta function, which had far-reaching implications in mathematics.

Honors and Recognition

Ramanujan’s genius did not go unnoticed. He received numerous honors during his lifetime, including being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in London—a prestigious recognition for his outstanding contributions to mathematics. Despite his limited formal education, he became a celebrated figure in the world of academia.

The Legacy Lives On

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s legacy extends far beyond his own time. His work continues to inspire and challenge mathematicians to this day. Many of his theorems and formulas are still subjects of intense study and research. The “Lost Notebook” of Ramanujan, discovered years after his death, contains a treasure trove of mathematical ideas that continue to drive innovation in mathematics.

The Movie “The Man Who Knew Infinity”

Ramanujan’s life and achievements have even been immortalized in a feature film titled “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” which tells the story of his journey from India to England and his remarkable contributions to mathematics. This film has introduced Ramanujan’s story to a broader audience and further popularized his work.

Conclusion of Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan

In conclusion, Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life is a testament to the limitless potential of human intellect and the power of passion and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, he made groundbreaking contributions to the world of mathematics that continue to shape the field today. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that with unwavering determination, even the humblest beginnings can lead to greatness.

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s story is not just about numbers; it’s about the boundless possibilities of the human mind. As a fifth-grader, you too can take inspiration from his life. Whether it’s math, science, art, or any other passion you have, remember that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements. Like Ramanujan, you too have the potential to make a lasting impact on the world. So, dream big, work hard, and let your passion guide you towards greatness.

Also Check: List of 500+ Topics for Writing Essay

 MacTutor

Srinivasa aiyangar ramanujan.

A short uncouth figure, stout, unshaven, not over clean, with one conspicuous feature-shining eyes- walked in with a frayed notebook under his arm. He was miserably poor. ... He opened his book and began to explain some of his discoveries. I saw quite at once that there was something out of the way; but my knowledge did not permit me to judge whether he talked sense or nonsense. ... I asked him what he wanted. He said he wanted a pittance to live on so that he might pursue his researches.

I have passed the Matriculation Examination and studied up to the First Arts but was prevented from pursuing my studies further owing to several untoward circumstances. I have, however, been devoting all my time to Mathematics and developing the subject.

I can strongly recommend the applicant. He is a young man of quite exceptional capacity in mathematics and especially in work relating to numbers. He has a natural aptitude for computation and is very quick at figure work.

I have had no university education but I have undergone the ordinary school course. After leaving school I have been employing the spare time at my disposal to work at mathematics. I have not trodden through the conventional regular course which is followed in a university course, but I am striking out a new path for myself. I have made a special investigation of divergent series in general and the results I get are termed by the local mathematicians as 'startling'.

I was exceedingly interested by your letter and by the theorems which you state. You will however understand that, before I can judge properly of the value of what you have done, it is essential that I should see proofs of some of your assertions. Your results seem to me to fall into roughly three classes: (1)   there are a number of results that are already known, or easily deducible from known theorems; (2)   there are results which, so far as I know, are new and interesting, but interesting rather from their curiosity and apparent difficulty than their importance; (3)   there are results which appear to be new and important...

I have found a friend in you who views my labours sympathetically. ... I am already a half starving man. To preserve my brains I want food and this is my first consideration. Any sympathetic letter from you will be helpful to me here to get a scholarship either from the university of from the government.

What was to be done in the way of teaching him modern mathematics? The limitations of his knowledge were as startling as its profundity.

... that it was extremely difficult because every time some matter, which it was thought that Ramanujan needed to know, was mentioned, Ramanujan's response was an avalanche of original ideas which made it almost impossible for Littlewood to persist in his original intention.

Batty Shaw found out, what other doctors did not know, that he had undergone an operation about four years ago. His worst theory was that this had really been for the removal of a malignant growth, wrongly diagnosed. In view of the fact that Ramanujan is no worse than six months ago, he has now abandoned this theory - the other doctors never gave it any support. Tubercle has been the provisionally accepted theory, apart from this, since the original idea of gastric ulcer was given up. ... Like all Indians he is fatalistic, and it is terribly hard to get him to take care of himself.

I think we may now hope that he has turned to corner, and is on the road to a real recovery. His temperature has ceased to be irregular, and he has gained nearly a stone in weight. ... There has never been any sign of any diminuation in his extraordinary mathematical talents. He has produced less, naturally, during his illness but the quality has been the same. .... He will return to India with a scientific standing and reputation such as no Indian has enjoyed before, and I am confident that India will regard him as the treasure he is. His natural simplicity and modesty has never been affected in the least by success - indeed all that is wanted is to get him to realise that he really is a success.

References ( show )

• O Ore, Biography in Dictionary of Scientific Biography ( New York 1970 - 1990) . See THIS LINK .
• Biography in Encyclopaedia Britannica. http://www.britannica.com/biography/Srinivasa-Ramanujan
• B C Berndt and R A Rankin, Ramanujan : Letters and commentary ( Providence, Rhode Island, 1995) .
• G H Hardy, Ramanujan ( Cambridge, 1940) .
• R Kanigel, The man who knew infinity : A life of the genius Ramanujan ( New York, 1991) .
• J N Kapur ( ed. ) , Some eminent Indian mathematicians of the twentieth century ( Kapur, 1989) .
• S Ram, Srinivasa Ramanujan ( New Delhi, 1979) .
• S Ramanujan, Collected Papers ( Cambridge, 1927) .
• S R Ranganathan, Ramanujan : the man and the mathematician ( London, 1967) .
• P K Srinivasan, Ramanujan : Am inspiration 2 Vols. ( Madras, 1968) .
• P V Seshu Aiyar, The late Mr S Ramanujan, B.A., F.R.S., J. Indian Math. Soc. 12 (1920) , 81 - 86 .
• G E Andrews, An introduction to Ramanujan's 'lost' notebook, Amer. Math. Monthly 86 (1979) , 89 - 108 .
• B Berndt, Srinivasa Ramanujan, The American Scholar 58 (1989) , 234 - 244 .
• B Berndt and S Bhargava, Ramanujan - For lowbrows, Amer. Math. Monthly 100 (1993) , 644 - 656 .
• B Bollobas, Ramanujan - a glimpse of his life and his mathematics, The Cambridge Review (1988) , 76 - 80 .
• B Bollobas, Ramanujan - a glimpse of his life and his mathematics, Eureka 48 (1988) , 81 - 98 .
• J M Borwein and P B Borwein, Ramanujan and pi, Scientific American 258 (2) (1988) , 66 - 73 .
• S Chandrasekhar, On Ramanujan, in Ramanujan Revisited ( Boston, 1988) , 1 - 6 .
• L Debnath, Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887 - 1920) : a centennial tribute, International journal of mathematical education in science and technology 18 (1987) , 821 - 861 .
• G H Hardy, The Indian mathematician Ramanujan, Amer. Math. Monthly 44 (3) (1937) , 137 - 155 .
• G H Hardy, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Proc. London Math, Soc. 19 (1921) , xl-lviii.
• E H Neville, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Nature 149 (1942) , 292 - 294 .
• C T Rajagopal, Stray thoughts on Srinivasa Ramanujan, Math. Teacher ( India ) 11 A (1975) , 119 - 122 , and 12 (1976) , 138 - 139 .
• K Ramachandra, Srinivasa Ramanujan ( the inventor of the circle method ) , J. Math. Phys. Sci. 21 (1987) , 545 - 564 .
• K Ramachandra, Srinivasa Ramanujan ( the inventor of the circle method ) , Hardy-Ramanujan J. 10 (1987) , 9 - 24 .
• R A Rankin, Ramanujan's manuscripts and notebooks, Bull. London Math. Soc. 14 (1982) , 81 - 97 .
• R A Rankin, Ramanujan's manuscripts and notebooks II, Bull. London Math. Soc. 21 (1989) , 351 - 365 .
• R A Rankin, Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887 - 1920) , International journal of mathematical education in science and technology 18 (1987) , 861 -.
• R A Rankin, Ramanujan as a patient, Proc. Indian Ac. Sci. 93 (1984) , 79 - 100 .
• R Ramachandra Rao, In memoriam S Ramanujan, B.A., F.R.S., J. Indian Math. Soc. 12 (1920) , 87 - 90 .
• E Shils, Reflections on tradition, centre and periphery and the universal validity of science : the significance of the life of S Ramanujan, Minerva 29 (1991) , 393 - 419 .
• D A B Young, Ramanujan's illness, Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London 48 (1994) , 107 - 119 .

Additional Resources ( show )

Other pages about Srinivasa Ramanujan:

• Multiple entries in The Mathematical Gazetteer of the British Isles ,
• Miller's postage stamps
• Heinz Klaus Strick biography

Other websites about Srinivasa Ramanujan:

• Dictionary of Scientific Biography
• Dictionary of National Biography
• Encyclopaedia Britannica
• Ramanujan's last letter
• Srinivasa Rao
• Plus Magazine
• A Sen ( An article about the influence of Carr's book on Ramanujan )
• Kevin Brown ( Something else about 1729)
• The mathematician and his legacy ( YouTube video )
• Sci Hi blog
• Google doodle
• Mathematical Genealogy Project
• MathSciNet Author profile
• zbMATH entry

Honours ( show )

Honours awarded to Srinivasa Ramanujan

• Fellow of the Royal Society 1918
• Popular biographies list Number 1
• Google doodle 2012

Cross-references ( show )

• History Topics: Squaring the circle
• Famous Curves: Ellipse
• Societies: Indian Academy of Sciences
• Societies: Indian Mathematical Society
• Societies: Ramanujan Mathematical Society
• Other: 16th March
• Other: 1st April
• Other: 2009 Most popular biographies
• Other: 22nd December
• Other: 27th February
• Other: 8th February
• Other: Cambridge Colleges
• Other: Cambridge Individuals
• Other: Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics (D)
• Other: Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics (H)
• Other: Jeff Miller's postage stamps
• Other: London Learned Societies
• Other: London individuals N-R
• Other: Most popular biographies – 2024
• Other: Oxford individuals
• Other: Popular biographies 2018

Srinivasa Ramanujan | Short Note/Speech

Srinivasa Ramanujan was an Indian mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and number theory. He was born in 1887 in the town of Erode, in the Madras Presidency of British India, and showed an early aptitude for math. Despite having no formal training in mathematics beyond high school, Ramanujan developed his skills through self-study and made several groundbreaking discoveries that earned him recognition in the international mathematical community.

Ramanujan is best known for his work on infinite series, modular forms, and number theory. He made numerous contributions to the development of these fields, including the discovery of new mathematical theorems and identities. His work has had a lasting impact on mathematics and has been widely studied and applied in various fields.

Despite his many accomplishments, Ramanujan faced numerous challenges in his career. He struggled to find academic opportunities and recognition in India, and ultimately had to rely on support from others to pursue his studies. Despite these obstacles, Ramanujan remained dedicated to his work and continued to make significant contributions to mathematics until his untimely death at the age of 32. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer and an inspiration to mathematicians around the world.

Related Articles

Mahatma gandhi | short note/speech, a short speech on india independence day, short speech on teacher’s day, short speech on teacher’s day in india, dr. sarvepalli radhakrishnan | short note/speech, swami vivekananda | short note/speech, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Short Life of Srinivasa Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920)

On December 22 , 1887 , Indian mathematician and autodidact Srinivasa Ramanujan was born. Though he had almost no formal training in pure mathematics , he made major contributions to mathematical analysis , number theory , infinite series , and continued fractions . Supported by English mathematician G. H. Hardy from Cambridge , Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3,900 results during his short life, which all have been proven correct.

“Sir, an equation has no meaning for me unless it expresses a thought of GOD.” — S. Ramanujan, statement to a friend, quoted in [7] 

Discovering Mathematics

It was in the Town High School that Ramanujan came across a mathematics book by G S Carr called Synopsis of elementary results in pure mathematics. This book, with its very concise style, allowed Ramanujan to teach himself mathematics, but the style of the book was to have a rather unfortunate effect on the way Ramanujan was later to write down mathematics since it provided the only model that he had of written mathematical arguments.[2] The next year, Ramanujan independently developed and investigated the Bernoulli numbers and calculated the Euler–Mascheroni constant up to 15 decimal places. His peers at the time commented that they “rarely understood him” and “stood in respectful awe” of him.

A Mathematical Genius Failing at University

When he graduated from Town Higher Secondary School in 1904, Ramanujan was awarded the K. Ranganatha Rao prize for mathematics and received a scholarship to study at Government Arts College, Kumbakonam, but was so intent on mathematics that he could not focus on any other subjects and failed most of them, losing his scholarship in the process. He enrolled at Pachaiyappa’s College in Madras. There he passed in mathematics, choosing only to attempt questions that appealed to him and leaving the rest unanswered, but performed poorly in other subjects, such as English, physiology and Sanskrit. Ramanujan failed his Fellow of Arts exam in December 1906 and again a year later. He continued his mathematical work, however, and at this time he worked on hypergeometric series and investigated relations between integrals and series. He was to discover later that he had been studying elliptic functions. But, without a FA degree, he left college and continued to pursue independent research in mathematics, living in extreme poverty and often on the brink of starvation.

Ramanujan continued to develop his mathematical ideas and began to pose problems and solve problems in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society . He developed relations between elliptic modular equations in 1910. After publication of a brilliant research paper on Bernoulli numbers in 1911 in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society he gained recognition for his work. Despite his lack of a university education, he was becoming well known in the Madras area as a mathematical genius.

Raising the Interest of  G. H. Hardy

The professor of civil engineering at the Madras Engineering College C L T Griffith was also interested in Ramanujan’s abilities and, having been educated at University College London, knew the professor of mathematics there, namely M J M Hill. He wrote to Hill on in 1912 sending some of Ramanujan’s work and a copy of his 1911 paper on Bernoulli numbers. Hill replied in a fairly encouraging way but showed that he had failed to understand Ramanujan’s results on divergent series. The recommendation to Ramanujan that he read Bromwich’s Theory of infinite series did not please Ramanujan much. Ramanujan wrote to E W Hobson and H F Baker trying to interest them in his results but neither replied. In January 1913 Ramanujan wrote to G H Hardy having seen a copy of his 1910 book Orders of infinity . In Ramanujan’s letter to Hardy he introduced himself and his work:

‘I have had no university education but I have undergone the ordinary school course. After leaving school I have been employing the spare time at my disposal to work at mathematics. I have not trodden through the conventional regular course which is followed in a university course, but I am striking out a new path for myself. I have made a special investigation of divergent series in general and the results I get are termed by the local mathematicians as ‘startling’.

Hardy initially viewed Ramanujan’s manuscripts as a possible fraud. Hardy recognized some of Ramanujan’s formulae but others “ seemed scarcely possible to believe ” [1]. After seeing Ramanujan’s theorems on continued fractions on the last page of the manuscripts, Hardy commented that “ they [theorems] defeated me completely; I had never seen anything in the least like them before “. He figured that Ramanujan’s theorems “ must be true, because, if they were not true, no one would have the imagination to invent them “. In 1914, Hardy brought Ramanujan to Trinity College, Cambridge, to begin an extraordinary collaboration. Setting this up was not an easy matter. Ramanujan was an orthodox Brahmin and so was a strict vegetarian. His religion should have prevented him from travelling but this difficulty was overcome, partly by the work of E H Neville who was a colleague of Hardy’s at Trinity College and who met with Ramanujan while lecturing in India. Right from the beginning, however, he had problems with his diet. The outbreak of World War I made obtaining special items of food harder and it was not long before Ramanujan had health problems.

Ramanujan in Cambridge

Ramanujan spent five years in Cambridge, collaborating with Hardy and Littlewood and publishing some of his findings. Their collaboration was marked by contrasting personalities and cultural, ideological, and working style differences. Hardy, an atheist and advocate of proof and mathematical precision, attempted to enhance Ramanujan’s education without stifling his inspiration. Ramanujan, a deeply religious man who relied heavily on intuition, was awarded a Bachelor of Science by Research degree (later renamed a PhD) in March 1916 for his work on highly composite numbers. In December 1917, he was elected to the London Mathematical Society, and in 1918, at the young age of 31, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the youngest in the society’s history.

Back in India and Early Death

Ramanujan sailed back to India in 1919. However his health was very poor and, despite medical treatment,  Ramanujan, now world-famous in mathematical circles, died of tuberculosis on 26 April of the following year at the young age of only 32. Bruce C. Berndt stated that over the last 40 years, as nearly all of Ramanujan’s theorems have been proven right:

“ Paul Erdős has passed on to us Hardy’s personal ratings of mathematicians. Suppose that we rate mathematicians on the basis of pure talent on a scale from 0 to 100, Hardy gave himself a score of 25, J. E. Littlewood 30, David Hilbert 80 and Ramanujan 100.’ “

References and Further Reading:

• [1] G. H. Hardy and the aesthetics of Mathematics , SciHi blog, December 1, 2016.
• [2] O’Connor, John J.; Robertson, Edmund F., “ Srinivasa Ramanujan “, MacTutor History of Mathematics archive, University of St Andrews.
• [3] Srinivasa Ramanujan at zbMATH
• [4] Srinivasa Ramanujan at Mathematics Genealogy Project
• [5] Srinivas Ramanujan at Wikidata
• [6] Works by or about Srinivasa Ramanujan at Wikisource
• [7] Ramanujan, the Man and the Mathematician (1967) by Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, p. 88
• [8]  Béla Bollobás (1963), explains the significance of Indian mathematician Ramanujan ,  Trinity College, Cambridge  @ youtube
• [9] Timeline of Indian mathematicians , via Wikidata

Harald Sack

Related posts, sir benjamin baker and the forth bridge, melanie klein and the psychoanalysis of children, karl pearson and mathematical statistics, william buckland’s eccentricities and the discovery of megalosaurus, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Further Projects

• February (28)
• January (30)
• December (30)
• November (29)
• October (31)
• September (30)
• August (30)
• January (31)
• December (31)
• November (30)
• August (31)
• February (29)
• February (19)
• January (18)
• October (29)
• September (29)
• February (5)
• January (5)
• December (14)
• November (9)
• October (13)
• September (6)
• August (13)
• December (3)
• November (5)
• October (1)
• September (3)
• November (2)
• September (2)
• Entries RSS
• Comments RSS
• WordPress.org

Legal Notice

• Privacy Statement

• Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan for Students | 500+ Words Essay

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan: Srinivasa Ramanujan was a renowned mathematician of India. He was born on 22nd December 1887 in Madras during the British Raj. Since childhood, he was drawn towards maths and took a particular interest in learning the subject. He did not receive formal education in mathematics but had mastered maths in various sections. During his time in Cambridge, he grew close to the great mathematician named Hardy. Together they invented the Hardy-Ramanujan number 1729. He got married at the age of 22 to Janakiammal on 14th July 1904. Several books were written by him based on his theories and formulas. He even received the K. Ranganatha Rao prize for mathematics. On 26th April 1920, he departed at the age of 32.

Below we have provided an essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in English, written in easy and simple words for class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students.

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan 500 Words in English

Below we have provided extended essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan, suitable for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 students.

Ramanujan was the maths genius who said that “An equation for me has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God.” He always had a vision of scrolls of complicated maths unfolding before him. He is referred to as an Indian Mathematician who lived during the British period and who contributed substantially to mathematics analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. He has been described by many as a simple person with pleasant manners.

Ramanujan was born on 22nd December 1887 into a Tamil Brahmin family in Erode, Madras. His father, Kuppuswamy Srinivasa Iyengar hailed from Thanjavur district and worked as a clerk in a saree shop. His mother, Komalatammal, was a housewife and used to sing at a local temple. They lived in a small traditional home. When Ramanujan was only a year and a half old, his mother was blessed with a son named Sadagopan but unfortunately died less than three months later.

In 1889, Ramanujan contracted smallpox but recovered, unlike many others who faced the death. Then, in 1891 and 1894, his mother again gave birth to two more children, but both of them died before their first birthdays. Since his father was at work most of the day, his mother took care of him, and their bond grew stronger. From his mother he learnt about the tradition and Puranas, to sing religious songs and to attend puja at a temple.

He became well versed with the Brahmin culture and followed particular eating habits. Just before turning ten, he passed his primary education in English, Tamil, geography and arithmetic. His scores were the best in the district. In the same year, he encountered formal mathematics for the first time. At the age of sixteen, he acquired a library copy of A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics from a friend.

He studied the contents of the book thoroughly. The next year, he developed and investigated the Bernoulli numbers and calculate Euler’s constant up to 15 decimals. His peers could hardly understand his nature, and we’re always in awe because of his brilliance. Due to his extraordinary mind, he received a scholarship to study at Government Arts College, Kumbakonam. But he lost this scholarship because of his firm determination towards studying only maths and ignoring other subjects.

Later, too he failed in subjects like English, Sanskrit and physiology. In 1906, he flunked in his Fellow of Arts exam in December. Without a FA degree, he left college and decided to study independently in mathematics through research and referring books. Such a condition caused him extreme poverty, and he reached on the brink of starvation. He married Janakiammal on 14th July 1909 and took a job as a tutor at Presidency College.

Ramanujan met deputy collector V. Ramaswamy Aiyer in 1910, who was the founder of Mathematical society and wished to work in the revenue department. When Ramanujan showed his mathematics book to him, he stated that- “I was struck by the extraordinary mathematical results contained in Ramanujan’s books.” As he advanced further in maths, he even wrote his formal paper on the properties of Bernoulli numbers.

A journal editor M.T. Narayana Iyengar noted that Mr Ramanujan’s methods and presentation was terse and lacked precision and clearness. An ordinary person could hardly follow him. In England, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts by Research degree. He was also elected to the London Mathematical Society. Ramanujan was the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.

In 1994, he died due to Tuberculosis and left the world. In the words of Hardy, Ramanujan had produced groundbreaking theorems and defeated him many times. He had never seen such theories in his life before. In his obituary, it was written that his insight into the subject was terrific and what he did was outstanding and remarkable.

The government of India in 2011, declared his birthday as National Mathematics Day to commemorate his valuable contribution and efforts. The former President even proclaimed that 2012 would be celebrated as National Mathematics Year.

Also Read – Republic Day Speech 2022 in English

Short Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in 250 Words

Below we have provided a short essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan, suitable for class 3, 4, 5 & 6 students.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a well-known Indian Mathematician who was born on 22nd December 1887 during the British rule. He was born in a poor Indian village, Erode belonging to a Tamil family. His father’s name was Kuppuswamy Srinivas Aiyangar who worked as a clerk in a saree shop, and his mother was a religious housewife. They lived in Erode only for a year and then moved to Kumbakonam.

In this small town, Ramanujan attended many primary schools and achieved a distinction in his primary education. At the age of thirteen, he focused his attention on the sum of geometric an arithmetic series and in 1902, he created a method to solve quadratic equations and even explored Euler’s Constant. In the same year, he received a scholarship for his outstanding performance in his studies, and therefore he got admission at Kumbakonam’s Government college.

His passion for mathematics grew more robust, and hence he excelled in maths but failed in other subjects. The failure caused him depression, and he fled to Vizagapatnam without telling his parents. One year later, he returned to study and pass at First Art’s examination but again failed in all and passed in maths. Ramanujan got married to his old distant relative Janaki Ammal.

Furthermore, he published his first paper based on Bernoulli numbers in Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society and received recognition and achievement. His hard work got paid off, and he was appointed as a clerk at Madras Port Trust. At this time, he became famous throughout Madras and caught the attention of C.L.T Griffith who helped Ramanujan. Later, Ramanujan graduated from London and held a degree of Science for research on highly composite numbers.

• Vishal's account

Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay for Children and Students

Key Points to Remember When Writing an Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan

10 lines on srinivasa ramanujan, paragraph on srinivasa ramanujan, srinivasa ramanujan essay in 100 words, short essay on srinivasa ramanujan’s contribution to mathematics, long essay on srinivasa ramanujan, interesting facts about srinivasa ramanujan you should know, what will your child learn from the essay on srinivasa ramanujan.

When we explore the world of mathematics, some names shine brightly, and one such name is Srinivasa Ramanujan. A genius from India, he has contributed immensely to the world of numbers and equations. This essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan in English aims to bring closer the life, achievements, and dedication of this extraordinary mathematician. Essay writing helps improve comprehension and communication skills , especially when targeted at children and students. It encourages research, clarity of thought, and the articulation of ideas. So, as we delve deep into the essay for children and students, let’s take a moment to appreciate the essence of essay writing and its ability to enhance our understanding of subjects, especially figures as pivotal as Ramanujan.

Writing an essay on a personality as multifaceted as Srinivasa Ramanujan requires a keen understanding of his life, contributions, and significance. Before delving deep into the topic, it’s essential to keep some pivotal aspects in mind to paint a comprehensive and authentic picture of this genius mathematician.

• Historical Context: Understand the era in which Ramanujan lived. This can provide insight into the challenges he faced and the socio-cultural environment of that time.
• Early Life: Highlight his early years, emphasizing his prodigious aptitude for mathematics even as a young boy and the self-study that laid the foundation of his future works.
• Major Contributions: It’s crucial to mention his significant works, like the Ramanujan Prime, the Ramanujan Theta function, and his work on infinite series.
• Collaboration with G.H. Hardy: Detail his collaboration with the noted British mathematician G.H. Hardy, which was a turning point in Ramanujan’s life. Their professional relationship and mutual respect can be a focal point.
• Challenges: Address the struggles he faced, both health-wise and in his career, including his initial rejection by the Indian academic community and his battle with tuberculosis.
• Legacy: Emphasize the lasting impact of Ramanujan’s contributions to the world of mathematics and how his works continue to inspire mathematicians today.
• Personal Anecdotes: Including personal stories or anecdotes can make the essay more engaging. For instance, the story of how he described the number 1729 as the smallest number expressible as the sum of two cubes in two different ways can pique the reader’s interest.
• Quotations: Incorporate some of his famous quotes or statements, which can reflect his passion for mathematics and his unique perspective on the subject. Summarize his legacy and reiterate the importance of his contributions to modern mathematics. It’s also a good place to reflect on the inspiration that students and children can draw from his life and dedication.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, with his unparalleled genius, left an indelible mark on the world of mathematics. For younger readers and those just being introduced to this great personality, here are a few lines about Srinivasa Ramanujan, perfect as an essay for lower primary class students.

1. Srinivasa Ramanujan was a brilliant mathematician born in India on December 22, 1887.

2. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in numbers and made remarkable discoveries in mathematics.

3. He was largely self-taught, using textbooks to explore advanced topics.

4. Ramanujan’s genius was recognized when he started working with the famous British mathematician G.H. Hardy.

5. His work has led to many areas of research, including number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.

6. The number 1729 is famously associated with Ramanujan because of an anecdote shared with Hardy, showcasing its unique mathematical properties.

7. Despite facing many health challenges, Ramanujan continued to pursue his passion for mathematics.

8. He passed away at the young age of 32 but left behind a rich legacy of mathematical work.

9. His birthday, December 22, is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in India in his honor.

10. Ramanujan’s dedication to math serves as an inspiration for students worldwide, emphasizing that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle.

The realm of mathematics has witnessed many luminaries, but few shine as brightly as Srinivasa Ramanujan. His journey, filled with discovery and passion, is a testament to the wonders of human potential. Diving into a paragraph about Srinivasa Ramanujan, we find a tale of perseverance and innate talent. Born in 1887 in Erode, India, Ramanujan’s love for numbers was evident early on. Largely self-taught, he ventured into complex mathematical territories, making groundbreaking discoveries in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Despite facing numerous challenges, both health-wise and in his professional life, he remained undeterred, collaborating with eminent mathematicians like G.H. Hardy. His contributions have left an enduring legacy, inspiring generations to explore the infinite world of mathematics.

Delving into the intricate world of mathematics, there are certain names that resonate with genius and exceptional talent. Srinivasa Ramanujan is undoubtedly one of those luminaries. Let’s encapsulate his extraordinary journey in a concise essay of 100 words.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, born in Erode, India, in 1887, was a self-taught mathematical prodigy. His insatiable curiosity led him to explore complex mathematical domains, making significant contributions to number theory, infinite series, and more. Recognized by British mathematician G.H. Hardy, their collaboration yielded invaluable mathematical insights. Despite battling health issues, Ramanujan’s passion for mathematics never waned. His discoveries, many of which continue to be the subject of research today, stand as a testament to his unparalleled genius. Today, his legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging us to pursue our passions with fervor and dedication.

In the vast expanse of mathematical history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Srinivasa Ramanujan. His remarkable journey from a small town in India to the hallowed halls of Cambridge is a tale of pure passion, dedication, and genius. As we delve into a brief exploration of his contributions to mathematics, we are reminded of the incredible depth and breadth of his work.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, largely self-taught, ventured into areas of mathematics that many found baffling. His innate talent allowed him to see patterns and relationships in numbers that eluded others. One of his most significant contributions lies in the domain of number theory, where he formulated results on partition functions and properties of prime numbers. His work on infinite series, especially those related to pi, drew widespread attention and admiration. The Ramanujan-Hardy number, 1729, is a testament to his uncanny ability to find uniqueness in seemingly ordinary numbers. Additionally, his work on continued fractions and modular forms laid the foundation for many mathematical discoveries that followed. Despite his short life, plagued by health issues, Ramanujan’s prolific output has left a lasting legacy. His notebooks, filled with results, some of which are yet to be proven, are a testament to a mind that operated on a plane few could fathom. Today, Ramanujan’s contributions stand not just as mathematical achievements but as a testament to what passion and innate talent can achieve against all odds.

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a beacon of brilliance in the world of mathematics, emerged from humble beginnings in India to leave an indelible mark on the global mathematical community. His life and achievements are a testament to the power of raw talent, perseverance, and an unyielding passion for one’s pursuits. This essay seeks to provide a comprehensive view of Ramanujan’s life, his substantial contributions to mathematics, and the legacy he left behind.

Early Life And Education Of Srinivasa Ramanujan

• Born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India, Ramanujan displayed a keen interest in mathematics from a young age.
• He was mostly self-taught, deriving complex mathematical theorems and results even before he turned 10.
• By the age of 12, he had mastered advanced trigonometry and started inventing his own theorems and equations.
• Ramanujan, in his teenage years, came across a library copy of ‘A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics’ which greatly influenced his work.
• He attended Town Higher Secondary School and later went to Government College, Kumbakonam, but dropped out due to financial constraints and health issues.
• Despite lacking formal training in mathematics, Ramanujan continued his independent research, filling notebooks with results that would later amaze the global community.
• Unfortunately, his intense focus on mathematics affected his other academic pursuits, leading him to fail in other subjects.

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s Contribution To Mathematics

• Ramanujan made groundbreaking contributions to number theory, especially regarding the distribution of prime numbers.
• He investigated the partition function, developing a way to calculate the number of ways a given integer can be expressed as the sum of positive integers.
• His work on infinite series provided new ways to approximate π, an achievement that caught the attention of the West.
• Ramanujan introduced the concept of mock theta functions, which have since become a significant area of research in mathematics.
• His collaboration with G.H. Hardy led to the development of the Ramanujan-Hardy number 1729 and a deep exploration of modular forms.
• He also delved into elliptic functions, continued fractions, and other complex areas, leaving behind results that still puzzle and inspire mathematicians today.
• His notebooks, filled with unproven theorems and results, remain a treasure trove for mathematicians, with some theorems still being explored and proven.

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s Achievements

• Ramanujan was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918, a rare honor for someone with limited formal education in mathematics.
• His partnership with G.H. Hardy is regarded as one of the most productive collaborations in the history of mathematics.
• Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3900 results, many of which were later proven to be correct and novel.
• He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree “by research” from the University of Madras.
• His work laid the foundation for areas of research like black holes in physics.
• Ramanujan was honored with the release of a stamp by the Indian government to commemorate his 75th birth anniversary.
• In India, National Mathematics Day is celebrated on his birthday, December 22, in recognition of his immense contributions.

Also Read: National Mathematics Day – History, Significance and Facts

Death And Legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan

Ramanujan returned to India in 1919, having battled health issues during his time in England. His health deteriorated further, and he tragically passed away on April 26, 1920, at the young age of 32. However, his legacy lives on. His work continues to inspire and challenge mathematicians globally. Ramanujan’s notebooks, filled with theorems, results, and mathematical musings, are still being studied, leading to new discoveries and insights. Beyond his mathematical genius, Ramanujan’s life stands as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance, the magic of innate talent, and the wonders that can be achieved when the two come together.

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life is filled with stories of passion, dedication, and sheer genius. While his mathematical prowess is well-known, there are several lesser-known facets to his life that make his story even more compelling.

1. Child Prodigy: By age 11, Ramanujan had exhausted the mathematical knowledge of two college students who were lodgers at his home, showcasing his innate talent from a young age.

2. Deep Spiritual Belief: Ramanujan often attributed his mathematical abilities to divinity. He once said that the Hindu goddess Namagiri would appear in his dreams, presenting him with complex mathematical formulas, which he would then verify after waking up.

3. The Ramanujan Number: The number 1729 is famously known as the Ramanujan Number. When asked about its lack of significance by G.H. Hardy, Ramanujan promptly responded that it was the smallest number expressible as the sum of two cubes in two different ways.

4. Late Recognition: Despite his brilliance, Ramanujan faced initial rejection. He wrote to several mathematicians about his findings, but only G.H. Hardy recognized his genius and invited him to Cambridge.

5. Unfinished Work: Ramanujan left behind three “lost” notebooks, discovered years after his death. These notebooks contain a plethora of results, many of which are still being understood and proven.

6. Cultural Impact: Ramanujan’s life story has inspired plays, films, and books. The movie ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ with Dev Patel playing Ramanujan is based on his life and relationship with G.H. Hardy.

Through the essay on the great mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, your child will gain insights into the remarkable journey of a self-taught genius. They’ll learn about the power of perseverance, the significance of chasing one’s passion, and the immense contributions an individual can make to global knowledge when driven by genuine curiosity and dedication.

1. What is Srinivasa Ramanujan Maths Day?

Srinivasa Ramanujan Maths Day, also known as National Mathematics Day, is celebrated on December 22nd every year in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and to honor his contributions to the field of mathematics.

2. What is Srinivasa Ramanujan Most well-known For?

Srinivasa Ramanujan is most renowned for his substantial contributions to number theory, infinite series, mathematical analysis, and continued fractions, with many of his results being groundbreaking and influential in further mathematical research.

3. What Is Ramanujan’s Most Famous Formula?

While Ramanujan developed numerous significant formulas, one of the most famous is his formula for partitions, particularly his asymptotic series for the partition function ‘p(n)p(n)’. This formula provides an approximation for the number of ways a given integer can be expressed as the sum of positive integers, disregarding the order.

In the annals of mathematical history, Srinivasa Ramanujan’s story stands out as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the profound depths of human potential. His remarkable achievements, forged from sheer passion and innate talent, serve as a timeless testament to the wonders that can be realized when the human spirit remains undeterred by life’s challenges.

Essay On My Favourite Personality – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay Essay on My Favourite Subject Maths – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay for Children

• RELATED ARTICLES
• MORE FROM AUTHOR

30 Best Educational Quotes That Will Inspire Your Child to Study

Living With In-Laws - Is It a Boon or a Bane?

Interesting Facts About Football for Kids

Interesting Facts About Stone Age for Kids

Facts About Christopher Columbus for Kids

List of Birds That Start With P

Popular on parenting.

245 Rare Boy & Girl Names with Meanings

Top 22 Short Moral Stories For Kids

170 Boy & Girl Names That Mean 'Gift from God'

800+ Unique & Cute Nicknames for Boys & Girls

Latest posts.

Understanding Baby Food Labels - Easy Guide for Parents on How to Read & Use

5 Ways to Maintain Diaper Hygiene in Summer for a Happy Baby!

4 Baby Sleep-Related Questions All New Parents Have Answered by a Paediatrician!

Do Indian Babies Have Different Diaper Needs? Here's an Expert's Opinion!

Your Article Library

Srinivasa ramanujan: essay on srinivasa ramanujan.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Read this Essay on Srinivasa Ramanujan  (1887 A.D. – 1920 A.D.) !

One of the greatest mathematicians of India, Ramanujan’s contribution to the theory of numbers has been profound. He was indeed a mathematical phenomenon of the twentieth century. This legendary genius of India ranks among the all time greats like Euler and Jacobi.

Ramanujan lived just for 32 years but during this short span he produced such theorems and formulae which even today remain unfathomable in the present age of super computers. He left behind him about 4000 formulae and theorems.

It is believed that these were the beginning of some great theory that he had at conceptual stage which failed to develop because of his premature and untimely demise. His personal life was as mysterious as his theorems and formulae.

It is believed that he was a great devotee of the Hindu goddess of creativity and that the goddess used to visit him in dreams and she wrote equations on his tongue. Ramanujan was the first Indian to be elected to the Royal Society of London.

Ramanujan was born to poor parents on December 22, 1887 at Erode in Tamil Nadu. His father was employed as a clerk in a cloth merchant’s shop. However, his mother had a sharp intellect and was known for making astrological predictions.

Not much is known about his early life and schooling except that he was a solitary child by nature. It is believed that he was born as a result of ardent prayers to the goddess Namgiri. Later Ramanujan attributed his mathematical power to this goddess of creation and wisdom. For him nothing was useful unless it expressed the essence of spirituality.

Ramanujan found mathematics as a profound manifestation of the Reality. He was such a great mathematician and genius as transcends all thoughts and imagination. He was an expert in the interpretation of dreams and astrology. These qualities he had inherited from his mother.

His interest and devotion to mathematics was to the point of obsession. He ignored everything else and would play with numbers day and night on a slate and in his mind. One day he came to possess G.S Carr’s “Synopsis of Pure Mathematics”, which contained over 6,000 formulae in Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus but contained no proofs.

Ramanujan made it his constant companion and improved it further on his own. His obsession and preoccupation with mathematics did not allow him to pass his intermediate examination in spite of three attempts. He could not get even the minimum pass marks in other subjects.

Ramanujan was married to a nine year old girl called lauaki and it added more to his family responsibilities. With the recommendation of the Collector of Nellore, who was very much impressed by his mathematical genius, Ramanujan sound a clerk’s job at Madras Fort Trust. In 1913 he came across an article written by Professor Hardy.

Ramanujan stayed at Cambridge for four years and during this period he produced many papers of great mathematical significance in collaboration with his mentor Professor Hardy. His phenomenal and exceptional genius was recognized all over the academic world.

He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society, London in 1918. He was then 30 years of age. His mastery of certain areas of mathematics was really fantastic and unbelievable. But soon his hard work began to affect his health and he fell seriously ill in April, 1917.

Ramanujan had contracted tuberculosis. And it was decided to send him back to India for some time. He reached India on March 27, 1919. He breathed his last on April 26, 1920 at Kumbakonam at the age of 32 years. His death shocked Professor Hardy and others beyond words.

Related Articles:

• Essay on Charles Babbage (U.K.: 1792-1871)
• Essay on the Genealogy of Geography

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

You must be logged in to post a comment.