Shakuntala Devi

Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer

Shakuntala Devi, born on November 4, 1929, in Bangalore, India, was a prodigious talent who etched her name in history as a mathematical genius and writer . Known popularly as the “Human Computer”, her extraordinary abilities in mental calculations earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records .

Early Life

Shakuntala Devi was born into a traditional Kannada Brahmin family. Her father, C V Sundararaja Rao, worked as a trapeze artist, lion tamer, tightrope walker, and magician in a circus . He discovered Shakuntala’s ability to memorize numbers while teaching her a card trick when she was about three years old . Her father left the circus and took her on road shows that displayed her ability at calculation. She did this without any formal education .

Mathematical Career

At the age of six, Shakuntala demonstrated her arithmetic abilities at the University of Mysore . In 1944, she moved to London and embarked on a tour around Europe, amazing academics and the public everywhere she went2. Her answers would often turn out to be different but correct when checked.

In 1976, The New York Times wrote about her that "She could give you the cube root of 188,132,517 — or almost any other number — in the time it took to ask the question. If you gave her any date in the last century, she would tell you what day of the week it fell on."

Contributions to Various Fields

Shakuntala Devi was not only a mathematical prodigy but also an author. She wrote several books in her later years, including novels as well as texts about mathematics, puzzles, and astrology . She also wrote “The World of Homosexuals”, which is considered the first study of homosexuality in India . She saw homosexuality in a positive light and is considered a pioneer in the field .

Legacy

Shakuntala Devi passed away on April 21, 2013. However, her legacy lives on through her contributions to mathematics and literature. Her life story serves as an inspiration for many young minds who aspire to excel in their respective fields.

In conclusion, Shakuntala Devi was an extraordinary woman who used her talents to make significant contributions to various fields. Her life story is a testament to the power of human potential and serves as an inspiration for future generations.