Biography of Srinivasa Ramanujan

A Mathematical Genius

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a name synonymous with brilliance in mathematics, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the field’s history. Born in Erode, India, in 1887, Ramanujan’s journey from a self-taught mathematician to a revered genius is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication. Despite facing numerous obstacles and societal constraints, Ramanujan’s intuitive grasp of numbers and profound insights revolutionized several branches of mathematics. Ramanujan left an indelible mark on the mathematical landscape through his groundbreaking theorems and formulas, inspiring generations of scholars and reshaping our understanding of the infinite complexities within numbers and patterns.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Srinivasa Ramanujan
Date of Birth	December 22, 1887
Place of Birth	Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
Parents	K. Srinivasa Iyengar (Father), Komalatammal (Mother)
Marriage	Married Janaki Ammal in July 1909
Education	Mostly self-taught; Limited formal education in India
Notable Contributions	Mock Theta Functions, Ramanujan Primes, Highly Composite Numbers, B11 Infinite Series, and Pi Formulas
Life in England	1914-1919, collaboration with G.H. Hardy at Cambridge University
Return to India	1919, due to deteriorating health
Death	April 26, 1920, at the tender age of 32

Early Life and Background

• Birth and Family Background (1887): Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. His father, K. Srinivasa Iyengar, worked as a clerk in a cloth merchant’s shop, while his mother, Komalatammal, was a housewife. The family belonged to the Brahmin caste, which traditionally held high regard for education and scholarship.
• Childhood in Kumbakonam: Ramanujan spent his early childhood in Kumbakonam, known for its rich cultural heritage and strong academic tradition. Despite his family’s modest means, they recognized Ramanujan’s early interest in mathematics and encouraged his intellectual pursuits.
• Early Signs of Mathematical Talent: Even as a young child, Ramanujan showed an exceptional aptitude for numbers and mathematical patterns. He often explored mathematical concepts independently, using simple tools like slate and chalk to jot down his findings.
• Education and Influences: Ramanujan attended local schools in Kumbakonam, where he received a basic education in mathematics and other subjects. His early exposure to classical Indian mathematical texts, such as the ‘Sangam literature’ and ‘Yoga Sutras,’ planted the seeds of his mathematical curiosity. Modern mathematical works that Ramanujan stumbled upon during his adolescence also influenced his mathematical journey.
• Influence of Mathematics Books: When Ramanujan was 16 years old, he acquired a copy of George Shoobridge Carr’s book titled A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics. This book catalyzed Ramanujan’s mathematical explorations, providing him with a treasure trove of mathematical problems and theorems to ponder.
• Self-Study and Mathematical Exploration: Motivated by his insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge, Ramanujan embarked on a journey of self-study, devouring mathematical texts and solving complex problems. His mathematical insights often transcended conventional methods, leading him to develop his unique approaches and formulas.
• Family Support and Challenges: Despite his family’s encouragement, Ramanujan faced financial constraints and societal pressures that hindered his pursuit of higher education and formal recognition. The lack of academic opportunities and support for aspiring mathematicians in colonial India posed significant challenges to Ramanujan’s intellectual growth.

Marriage and Children

• Srinivasa Ramanujan married Janaki Ammal in July 1909. Ramanujan’s parents arranged their marriage according to Indian tradition, choosing Janaki Ammal. The marriage was typical of the customs prevailing in Indian society at the time, where parental consent and family considerations played a significant role in marital arrangements.
• As for children, Ramanujan and Janaki Ammal had no offspring. Their marriage did not produce any recorded children. Ramanujan’s focus and dedication to mathematics consumed much of his time and energy, and his health challenges may have also influenced their decision not to have children. Additionally, the couple faced various hardships, including financial difficulties and Ramanujan’s health issues, which likely influenced their family planning decisions.
• Despite the absence of children, Janaki Ammal supported Ramanujan’s life, providing emotional and domestic support during his academic pursuits and personal struggles. Though not extensively documented, their relationship reflects the cultural norms and familial dynamics prevalent in early 20th-century India.

Journey into Mathematics

• Discovery of Mathematical Books: Ramanujan’s discovery of mathematical texts and journals opened new avenues of exploration for him. Despite his limited access to formal education, he voraciously consumed mathematical literature, absorbing its contents with an unparalleled fervor.
• Self-Taught Mathematical Exploration: Motivated by an intrinsic passion for numbers and patterns, Ramanujan embarked on a journey of self-discovery in mathematics. Through tireless experimentation and rigorous self-study, he delved into the depths of mathematical theory, often producing results that astonished seasoned mathematicians.
• Early Struggles and Rejections: Ramanujan faced numerous challenges and rejections from academic institutions and scholars who failed to comprehend the depth of his mathematical insights. Despite his brilliance, his lack of formal credentials and adherence to unconventional methods often led to skepticism and dismissal within the mathematical community.
• Correspondence with Mathematicians: Undeterred by initial setbacks, Ramanujan began corresponding with eminent mathematicians, seeking validation and recognition for his work. His letters, filled with conjectures and theorems, caught the attention of several prominent mathematicians, including G.H. Hardy, who recognized the extraordinary talent embodied in Ramanujan’s mathematical musings.
• Acceptance and Validation: Ramanujan’s collaboration with G.H. Hardy and other mathematicians in England marked a turning point in his career, providing him with the validation and acceptance he had long sought. His unorthodox methods and intuitive insights revolutionized various branches of mathematics, earning him acclaim and respect within the academic community.
• Transformation of Mathematical Landscape: Ramanujan transformed the mathematical landscape through his revolutionary theorems and conjectures, reshaping our understanding of number theory, analysis, and infinite series. His profound contributions continue to inspire and intrigue mathematicians worldwide, underscoring the enduring legacy of his mathematical genius.

Colleges and Universities Srinivasa Ramanujan Visited

Srinivasa Ramanujan did not have a conventional academic career nor attend colleges or universities in the traditional sense. His mathematical journey was largely self-taught and driven by his innate talent and passion for mathematics.

However, Ramanujan’s mathematical prowess and discoveries attracted the attention of prominent mathematicians, eventually leading to collaborations and visits to renowned academic institutions. Here are some notable colleges and universities he visited or interacted with during his lifetime:

• Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras (Chennai): In 1906, Ramanujan enrolled at Pachaiyappa’s College in Madras to pass the First Arts examination, a prerequisite for admission to the University of Madras. His primary focus was on mathematics, and he attended lectures at the college. However, after three months of study, he became ill and had to leave the course. Despite his departure, Ramanujan attempted the First Arts examination in 1907, passing in mathematics but failing in other subjects, preventing him from entering the University of Madras.
• University of Cambridge, England: Ramanujan’s most significant academic association was with the University of Cambridge. In 1914, he traveled to Cambridge, England, at the invitation of G.H. Hardy, a distinguished mathematician at Trinity College, Cambridge. At Cambridge, Ramanujan collaborated with Hardy and other mathematicians, including J.E. Littlewood and B.M. Wilson, and made substantial contributions to number theory and analysis.
• Indian Mathematical Society: Ramanujan interacted with members of the Indian Mathematical Society and participated in mathematical discussions and gatherings in India. His engagement with the mathematical community in India facilitated the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of his mathematical discoveries.
• Trinity College, Cambridge: During his time in England, Ramanujan affiliated with Trinity College, Cambridge, where G.H. Hardy held a prestigious position. Trinity College provided a scholarly environment conducive to collaborative research and intellectual exchange, fostering Ramanujan’s mathematical development.

Breakthroughs and Contributions

Let’s delve into detail on some of Srinivasa Ramanujan’s key breakthroughs and contributions:

1. Mock Theta Functions

• Description: Ramanujan’s mock theta functions are functions denoted as f(q), where q is the modular variable. These functions exhibit modular behavior, resembling modular forms but lacking some formal properties.
• Significance: Mock theta functions have applications in the theory of modular forms, a branch of mathematics connected to number theory and algebraic geometry. They also play a role in quantum physics, particularly in studying black hole entropy.
• Example: One of Ramanujan’s mock theta functions is the Ramanujan–Göllnitz–Gordon identity, denoted as R(q) = 1 + 5q + 5q^2 + 7q^3 + 21q^4 +…

2. Ramanujan Primes and the Ramanujan-Hardy Number (1729)

• Description: Ramanujan identified a class of prime numbers, known as Ramanujan primes, with unique properties. The famous incident of 1729 showcased the smallest non-trivial taxicab number (a number expressible as the sum of two cubes in more than one way), highlighting Ramanujan’s knack for discovering interesting mathematical relationships.
• Significance: The Ramanujan-Hardy number has become iconic in mathematical folklore, known as the “Hardy-Ramanujan number” or the “taxicab number.” This incident showcased the charm of number theory and inspired further exploration of similar mathematical curiosities.
• Example: As the sum of two cubes, 1729 is the smallest positive integer known as the Ramanujan-Hardy number (1729 = 1^3 + 12^3 = 9^3 + 10^3).

3. Infinite Series and Pi Formulas

• Description: Ramanujan provided novel and rapidly converging series for approximating mathematical constants like π. His infinite series often converged faster than existing methods, revolutionizing how mathematicians approached such calculations.
• Significance: Ramanujan’s formulas have practical applications in numerical analysis and computation, offering more efficient algorithms for calculating mathematical constants. His contributions prepared further advancements in continuing fractions and mathematical series.
• Example: Ramanujan’s formula for π, denoted as 1/π = 2√2 / (9801 ∑ (4n)!(1103 + 26390n) / (n!)^4), is an example of his contributions to efficiently calculating π.

4. Ramanujan Conjecture and Ramanujan–Nagell Equation

• Description: Ramanujan formulated conjectures on the distribution of prime numbers and diophantine equations, including the Ramanujan conjecture on prime numbers and the Ramanujan–Nagell equation involving powers of integers.
• Significance: These conjectures are still subjects of active research, reflecting Ramanujan’s ability to pose challenging questions that push the boundaries of mathematical understanding. They have inspired generations of mathematicians to explore the deeper aspects of number theory and algebra.
• Example: According to Ramanujan’s conjecture, the number of ways to express an integer n as the sum of two squares, or R2(n), is a multiplicative function of n and is closely associated with the divisor function.

5. Theta Functions and Modular Forms

• Description: Ramanujan made significant contributions to the theory of theta functions and modular forms, essential concepts in complex analysis and number theory. His work extended the understanding of elliptic functions and their properties.
• Significance: The theory of modular forms has wide-ranging applications in various branches of mathematics, including algebraic geometry, representation theory, and cryptography. Ramanujan’s contributions laid a foundation for further developments in these areas.
• Example: Ramanujan’s modular form Δ(q) = qΠ(1 – q^n)^24 is a discriminant modular form with deep connections to elliptic functions.

6. Partition Function and Highly Composite Numbers

• Description: Ramanujan explored the partition function, denoted as p(n), which represents the number of ways a positive integer can be expressed as the sum of positive integers. He also explored highly composite numbers with more divisors than any smaller positive integer.
• Significance: Ramanujan’s work on partitions and highly composite numbers advanced the understanding of number theory and combinatorics. His insights influenced subsequent research on integer sequences and the properties of highly composite numbers.
• Example: Ramanujan’s study of the partition function p(n) revealed remarkable patterns and relationships. For instance, p(5)=7 because 5 can be partitioned into 5, 4 + 1, 3 + 2, 3 + 1 + 1, 2 + 2 + 1, 2 + 1 + 1 + 1, and 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1.

7. Ramanujan Prime and Ramanujan-Soldner Constant:

• Description: Ramanujan identified a class of primes, now known as Ramanujan primes, which have distinctive properties. He also introduced the Ramanujan-Soldner constant, a mathematical constant related to prime number distribution.
• Significance: Ramanujan’s work on prime numbers contributed to a broader understanding of their distribution and properties. The Ramanujan-Soldner constant remains a topic of interest in studying prime numbers and their relationships.
• Example: Ramanujan primes, such as 2, 11, 17, and 29, satisfy certain congruence conditions defined by Ramanujan.

Life in England

Srinivasa Ramanujan experienced intellectual stimulation and personal challenges during his life in England. Here’s a detailed look:

• Arrival in England (1914): Ramanujan arrived in England in 1914 after receiving an invitation from G.H. Hardy, a renowned mathematician at Trinity College, Cambridge. His arrival marked the beginning of a transformative period in his life as he embarked on a journey of academic collaboration and exploration in a new cultural and intellectual milieu.
• Collaboration with G.H. Hardy: Ramanujan’s collaboration with G.H. Hardy at Cambridge University proved to be instrumental in shaping his mathematical career. Hardy recognized Ramanujan’s exceptional talent and provided him with guidance and support, facilitating the exchange of ideas and insights that fueled their joint research efforts.
• Academic Environment: Cambridge University provided Ramanujan access to cutting-edge mathematical research and a vibrant academic community. Despite facing initial cultural and social adjustments, Ramanujan thrived in Cambridge’s intellectually stimulating environment, engaging in spirited discussions and exchanges with fellow mathematicians.
• Recognition and Acceptance: Ramanujan’s mathematical genius gradually gained recognition and acceptance within the academic circles of England. His groundbreaking theorems and conjectures garnered attention and admiration from his peers, solidifying his reputation as one of the preeminent mathematicians of his time.
• Personal Challenges: Ramanujan faced numerous personal challenges in England, including difficulties adapting to the British climate and cuisine. He also struggled with health issues, exacerbated by his impoverished living conditions and inadequate access to healthcare resources.
• Cultural Isolation: Despite his academic successes, Ramanujan experienced cultural isolation and homesickness while living far away from his native India. His profound attachment to Indian culture and spirituality remained a source of solace and inspiration amidst the challenges of assimilating into a foreign society.

Illness and Return to India

The latter part of Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life in England was marked by deteriorating health and personal struggles, ultimately leading to his return to India. Here’s a detailed exploration of this phase:

• Deteriorating Health: Ramanujan’s health began to decline significantly during his time in England. His strict vegetarian diet, coupled with the harsh British climate and living conditions, contributed to various health issues, including malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
• Struggles with Illness: Ramanujan faced persistent health challenges, including severe bouts of illness and respiratory problems. Despite his physical ailments, he continued to immerse himself in mathematical work, displaying remarkable dedication to his passion even in the face of declining well-being.
• Return to India (1919): In 1919, Ramanujan made the difficult decision to return to India, primarily driven by health concerns and a longing for his homeland. The journey back to India marked the end of his formal collaboration with G.H. Hardy and his immersion in the academic environment of Cambridge University.
• Continued Mathematical Work in India: Even upon returning to India, Ramanujan continued working on mathematical problems, albeit in a more isolated environment than his time in England. He maintained correspondence with mathematicians worldwide, sustaining intellectual connections despite the geographical distance.
• Contributions Despite Declining Health: Despite his deteriorating health, Ramanujan continued to make significant mathematical contributions during his time in India. His work during this period included further developments in mock theta functions and highly composite numbers.
• Honors and Recognition in India: Ramanujan was rewarded and acknowledged for his contributions to mathematics back in India. He was the first Indian to be chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London and a Fellow of Madras University.
• Passing Away (1920): Tragically, Ramanujan’s health deteriorated rapidly, and he succumbed to illness on April 26, 1920, at the tender age of 32. His premature death marked the end of a remarkable but brief life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire mathematicians worldwide.

Notable Awards and Achievements

The table below highlights some of the most significant awards and achievements bestowed upon Srinivasa Ramanujan during and after his lifetime.

Year	Award/Achievement
1911	Elected a Fellow of the Madras University
1918	Elected the title of Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)
1919	Awarded the Bôcher Memorial Prize by the American Mathematical Society
1920	Elected as the first Indian Fellow of the Trinity College, Cambridge
1962	The Ramanujan Prize, established by the University of Madras
1987	The Government of India released a commemorative stamp to mark the centennial of his birth.
1997	Ramanujan’s birthday (December 22) declared National Mathematics Day in India
2011	The Ramanujan Journal, an international journal dedicated to Ramanujan, launched
2012	The Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians was established by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) of the Government of India

Legacy and Influence

The legacy and influence of Srinivasa Ramanujan extend far beyond his lifetime, profoundly impacting the field of mathematics and inspiring generations of mathematicians. Here’s an in-depth look at his legacy and influence:

• Mathematical Contributions: Ramanujan’s groundbreaking contributions to number theory, analysis, and other branches of mathematics continue to resonate in contemporary research and scholarship. His discoveries, including the Ramanujan Prime, Ramanujan-Hardy number, mock theta functions, and highly composite numbers, have spurred advancements in diverse areas of mathematical inquiry.
• Unsolved Problems and Conjectures: Many of Ramanujan’s conjectures and unsolved problems remain fertile ground for mathematical exploration. Mathematicians continue grappling with concepts such as the Ramanujan conjecture, Ramanujan’s tau function, and the Ramanujan-Soldner constant, seeking to unlock the mysteries of these mathematical puzzles.
• Mathematical Techniques and Formulas: Ramanujan’s innovative mathematical techniques and formulas have revolutionized approaches to problem-solving and computation. His insights into infinite series, continued fractions, and modular forms have provided new avenues for mathematical inquiry and inspired novel methodologies in diverse fields of mathematics.
• Cultural and Academic Recognition: Various cultural and academic honors have celebrated Ramanujan’s life and work in India and worldwide. Organizations that honor his lasting influence and contributions to mathematics include the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy and the Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences in India.
• Educational Initiatives and Outreach: Ramanujan’s life story and mathematical achievements inspire educational initiatives and outreach programs to promote interest and excellence in mathematics. His story resonates with aspiring mathematicians from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to pursue their passion for mathematics with dedication and perseverance.
• Cultural Icon and Symbol of Genius: Ramanujan’s life journey, characterized by extraordinary talent, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance in adversity, has elevated him to a cultural icon and symbol of genius. His story continues to captivate imaginations and inspire creative expression through literature, film, theater, and other artistic mediums.
• Perpetual Impact on Mathematics: Ramanujan’s legacy is proof of both the transformational force of mathematical discovery and the limitless potential of the human mind. His profound insights into the mysteries of number theory and mathematical analysis continue to shape the landscape of mathematics, leaving an indelible imprint on the collective consciousness of the mathematical community.

Conclusion

Srinivasa Ramanujan, a luminary in mathematics, left an indelible mark on the discipline with his unparalleled brilliance and profound insights. From humble beginnings in India to international acclaim, Ramanujan’s journey epitomizes the triumph of intellect over adversity. His groundbreaking contributions to number theory, analysis, and infinite series continue to inspire and challenge mathematicians worldwide. Ramanujan overcame personal and professional setbacks, yet his unflinching devotion to his work and his unwavering search for mathematical truth are an eternal reminder of the limitless potential of human creativity and the enduring force of mathematical research.