Chapter 1: The Early Life of Srinivasa Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan emerged from a humble background in a small town south of Madras, now Chennai, in South India. He was the sole survivor among his mother’s first four children, a testament to the dire health conditions of the era. His early life was marred by a bout of smallpox, a disease that claimed many lives around him.

From a tender age, Ramanujan exhibited a profound affinity for numbers. This passion enveloped him, offering a sanctuary from the chaos of his childhood. He believed that his extraordinary mathematical abilities were divinely bestowed, often attributing his insights to the Hindu goddess Namagiri, who he felt communicated with him through dreams.

Ramanujan's formative years were characterized by an insatiable curiosity and a tireless quest for knowledge. Despite the lack of resources and formal education in advanced mathematics, he remained undeterred. He would frequently visit the nearby Sarangapani Temple, where he engaged in the unique practice of inscribing complex mathematical equations on stone slabs with chalk, establishing a connection to the divine source of his inspiration.

The Sad Story of India's Math Prodigy

This video delves into the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, exploring the hardships he faced and how he rose to prominence in the mathematical world.

Chapter 2: A Turning Point in Mathematical Exploration

The pivotal moment in Ramanujan's mathematical journey came with the discovery of "A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics," authored by George Shoobridge Carr. This book, more a compilation of 5,000 theorems than a traditional textbook, became a catalyst for Ramanujan during his teenage years.

Unlike other textbooks that provided exhaustive explanations and solutions, Carr's work presented results and formulas without context. While most students found this approach daunting, it offered Ramanujan an opportunity to delve into the proofs behind these theorems independently.

His engagement with Carr's book was an immersive experience that nurtured his innate mathematical intuition. The absence of detailed solutions did not impede his progress; instead, it ignited his creativity and problem-solving abilities. This self-directed exploration enabled Ramanujan to grasp mathematical concepts far deeper than what formal education could provide.

Through his independent study of theorems in Carr's book, he began formulating his own theories and equations. This intense period of self-study was crucial in cultivating Ramanujan's mathematical prowess, leading him to document his findings in notebooks—an endeavor he would continue throughout his life. These notebooks later became a cornerstone of his mathematical legacy, filled with original results that influenced various fields.

Srinivasa Ramanujan: The Indian mathematical genius who shook the world

This video highlights the extraordinary contributions of Ramanujan, showcasing how his unique approach to mathematics revolutionized the field.

Chapter 3: Overcoming Academic Challenges

Despite his emerging talent, Ramanujan faced considerable challenges within the formal academic realm. His intense focus on mathematics led to neglect in other subjects, resulting in his failure to obtain a college degree. He enrolled at the Government Arts College in Kumbakonam, but his disregard for non-mathematical subjects led to losing his scholarship and eventual expulsion.

This pattern repeated at the University of Madras, where his poor performance in subjects outside of mathematics hindered his progress. Ramanujan's academic setbacks were personally distressing. The financial burden on his family made it impossible to pursue education without a scholarship, and societal expectations mandated proficiency in a well-rounded curriculum.

His father’s modest salary as a clerk barely covered the family's needs, making the tuition fee of 32 rupees a significant hurdle. These challenges forced Ramanujan to abandon formal education, a difficult choice that ultimately allowed him to devote himself entirely to mathematics. This period of self-imposed isolation was vital for his development, as he explored new mathematical theories and solved complex problems.

Chapter 4: Gaining Recognition in Mathematics

In 1911, Ramanujan's efforts bore fruit when he published his work in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society, marking his first academic recognition. This publication validated his unique approach to mathematics, drawing interest from his peers.

Around this time, his personal life also changed. At the age of 21, he entered into an arranged marriage with Janaki, a nine-year-old relative, adding complexity to his life but not detracting from his mathematical aspirations.

Securing employment as an accounting clerk at the Port of Madras provided him with financial stability and introduced him to individuals who recognized his talent. His supervisor, an amateur mathematician, and a British engineer encouraged him to share his discoveries with prominent mathematicians in England.

With their support, Ramanujan reached out to G. H. Hardy, a leading mathematician, despite facing initial rejections. His persistence eventually caught Hardy's attention, setting the stage for his eventual move to England and a celebrated collaboration that would cement his reputation as a mathematical genius.

Chapter 5: The Cambridge Era

In 1914, Ramanujan arrived at Cambridge University, where he began an influential partnership with G.H. Hardy. Their collaboration became one of the most renowned partnerships in mathematical history, yielding significant results, particularly in number theory.

The contrasting backgrounds of Ramanujan and Hardy—one intuitive and self-taught, the other formal and methodical—created a fertile ground for innovation. Together, they made notable contributions to the theory of partitions, opening new avenues for research and influencing future generations of mathematicians.

Despite the challenges posed by adjusting to a new culture and the strains of World War I, Ramanujan's creativity thrived in the stimulating academic atmosphere at Cambridge, bolstered by Hardy's support. However, as his health deteriorated, the significance of his contributions became increasingly evident.

Chapter 6: The Final Years and Legacy

Ramanujan's final years were a blend of professional triumphs and personal health struggles. After returning to India in 1919, hoping the familiar environment would aid his recovery, his health continued to decline despite the recognition he received for his mathematical contributions.

In 1918, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honors for a scientist in the UK, and also became a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge—one of the first Indians to receive such accolades. However, his health issues, primarily tuberculosis, overshadowed these honors.

Ramanujan spent his last year in relative isolation due to illness, yet his passion for mathematics remained steadfast. He continued to work on his theories and correspond with colleagues, sharing his discoveries until the end.

Srinivasa Ramanujan passed away on April 26, 1920, at just 32 years old. His untimely death was a profound loss to the mathematical community. Nevertheless, the impact of his work endured, with his notebooks filled with unpublished results becoming a valuable resource for mathematicians and inspiring future inquiries long after his passing.