4.4 Ramanujan - Class 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: Based on Robert Kanigel’s The Man Who Knew Infinity

Genre: Biographical Sketch

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Ramanujan presents the life of the Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. In 1913, he sent a letter filled with strange theorems to the English mathematician G.H. Hardy, who initially thought it a fraud but later realised its originality. With Hardy’s support, Ramanujan went to England and collaborated with Hardy and Littlewood, producing remarkable results despite lacking formal education. His mother’s dream convinced her to allow him to cross the seas, breaking traditional beliefs. Ramanujan was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and of Trinity College, the first Indian to achieve such honours. However, his life was short due to illness, and he died at the age of 33. The famous taxi number incident (1729 being the sum of two cubes in two different ways) reflects his extraordinary insight. The lesson portrays Ramanujan as a self-taught genius whose brilliance left a lasting impact on mathematics.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is the celebration of Ramanujan’s unmatched mathematical genius. The lesson shows how talent, even without formal training, can shine through determination, support, and opportunity. It also conveys the value of recognising and nurturing hidden talent.

Character Sketches

Srinivasa Ramanujan

• Self-taught mathematical genius from India.

• Lacked formal education in English and modern proofs.

• Discovered unique theorems and formulas on his own.

• Humble, religious, and dedicated, yet brilliant in insight.

  
  

G.H. Hardy

• Eminent English mathematician at Trinity College.

• Initially doubted Ramanujan’s work but soon recognised his genius.

• Supported Ramanujan’s journey to England.

• Guided and collaborated with him, respecting his extraordinary talent.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Hardy decided to bring Ramanujan to England.”

   Infinitive: to bring shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Ramanujan wrote the theorems.

   Passive: The theorems were written by Ramanujan.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “Ramanujan could not enter Madras University.”

   Could not shows inability.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Hardy said, “Ramanujan is a genius.”

   Indirect: Hardy said that Ramanujan was a genius.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Ramanujan died at the age of 33.

   Question: At what age did Ramanujan die?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What inspires you most about Ramanujan’s life?

   The most inspiring part of Ramanujan’s life is his determination to pursue mathematics despite poverty and lack of formal education. His originality and passion show that true talent can overcome all obstacles. His dedication is an example for students.

   
   

2. Do you think Hardy played an important role in Ramanujan’s success?

   Hardy played a crucial role because he recognised Ramanujan’s genius and provided him opportunities in England. Without Hardy’s support, Ramanujan’s work might have remained unnoticed. His guidance helped Ramanujan reach the global stage.

   
   

3. What does the taxi-cab number incident tell us about Ramanujan?

   The taxi-cab number incident shows Ramanujan’s extraordinary memory and insight in mathematics. He immediately recognised 1729 as a unique number, reflecting his natural genius. This shows how deeply mathematics was rooted in his mind.

   
   

4. What difficulties did Ramanujan face in his career?

   Ramanujan faced difficulties such as poverty, poor health, and lack of formal education in English and proofs. He also struggled with cultural restrictions about crossing the seas. Despite these challenges, he achieved global recognition.

   
   

5. Why should young students read about Ramanujan?

   Young students should read about Ramanujan because his story encourages them to pursue their passion with determination. It shows that talent, hard work, and support can lead to great achievements. His life is a lesson in humility and perseverance.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Hardy immediately recognised Ramanujan’s genius when he saw the letter. → False (He first thought it a fraud.)

   
   

2. Ramanujan’s mother’s dream helped him go to England. → True

   
   

3. Ramanujan became a Fellow of the Royal Society at age 30. → True

   
   

4. Ramanujan had formal education in modern proofs. → False (He was self-taught and lacked formal training.)

   
   

5. The number 1729 is called the Hardy-Ramanujan number. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why did Hardy initially doubt Ramanujan’s letter?

   Hardy doubted Ramanujan’s letter because it was written in poor English and contained strange theorems without proofs. At first, he thought it was a fraud, but later realised its originality.

   
   

2. What role did Ramanujan’s mother play in his career?

   Ramanujan’s mother at first opposed his journey abroad due to religious beliefs. Later, after a dream where the goddess of Namakkal blessed his mission, she allowed him to travel to England. This decision changed his life.

   
   

3. What honours did Ramanujan receive in England?

   Ramanujan was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and of Trinity College, Cambridge. He was the first Indian to receive these honours, which recognised his genius on an international level.

   
   

4. Describe the association between Hardy and Ramanujan.

   The association between Hardy and Ramanujan was unique, as Hardy respected Ramanujan’s natural genius, while Ramanujan valued Hardy’s formal training. Together, they produced remarkable mathematical results. Their partnership was both respectful and fruitful.

   
   

5. What makes Ramanujan’s life memorable?

   Ramanujan’s life is memorable because he rose from poverty to become one of the world’s greatest mathematicians. His originality, humility, and determination make his story inspiring. His short but brilliant life left a lasting legacy.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Ramanujan is a touching biographical sketch that celebrates the genius of an Indian mathematician. It shows how Ramanujan’s natural brilliance overcame poverty, lack of formal training, and cultural barriers. His partnership with Hardy brought out some of the finest mathematical contributions of the century. The lesson also highlights the importance of recognising hidden talent and supporting it at the right time. Ramanujan’s life remains an inspiration for students, proving that determination and passion can lead to greatness.

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