History of Computers in India. When and by whom was the first computer brought to India.
How was the computer invented

Friends, it is said that "Need is the Mother of Invention." This holds true for the invention of the computer as well. The computer we see today was originally invented years ago to perform mathematical operations. However, over time, scientists and engineers made numerous modifications based on changing needs—the results of which are evident to us today. Computers that once occupied an entire room have now shrunk to fit within a 24-inch screen. While they have become much smaller in size, their usage has increased manifold—and rightly so. In today's world, everything is online; we live in a digital age where computers have replaced paperwork. That is why you will find computers everywhere, from private offices to government banks. Today, computers are used for everything—from booking tickets and sending emails to checking exam results, studying, or even playing games. In fact, computers have played a significant role in the development of nations like the USA and Japan. While you all likely use computers, have you ever wondered what the world's first computer was? Who built it, and—most importantly—when and by whom was it introduced?

How far back does the history of computers go

I can say with certainty that most of you are unaware of the history of computers in India. If that is the case, I request you to watch this video to the end so you can gain knowledge that remains unknown to many. First of all, you should know that the history of the computer dates back approximately 3,000 years. Yes, a machine called the abacus was created in China around 3000 years ago (specifically around 320 BC). It consisted of a wooden framework fitted with parallel wires, upon which bead-like structures were mounted for performing calculations. Given its utility, the abacus is still used in schools today to teach children how to count.

Blaise Pascal and the Digital Computer

Friends, after the abacus, various scientists created different types of calculating devices to suit their needs over time. However, when it comes to the digital computer, the credit for its creation goes to the great French mathematician Blaise Pascal. He invented the digital computer in 1642; it featured numbers that could be dialed to add values ​​together. This machine functioned essentially as a calculator.

Charles Babbage and the Mechanical Computer

Friends, following the digital computer came the turn of the mechanical computer, invented by Charles Babbage in 1822. Babbage designed this device to perform simple calculations; it was a steam-powered calculating machine. After creating this device, Babbage developed another calculating machine in 1830, which he named the "Difference Engine." The Difference Engine could perform a variety of mathematical operations. However, Babbage wanted to make his device even more advanced, so he worked tirelessly on it, day and night. But perhaps fate had other plans. Charles Babbage passed away suddenly in 1871 at the age of 79. Forty years later, in 1888, his son Henry carried forward his father's work and completed the first general-purpose mechanical computer in 1937, naming it the Analytical Engine. This computer was unique and distinct from all those created previously; it could solve almost any type of mathematical problem. Furthermore, it was capable of storing information in permanent memory. In essence, it was fully equipped with modern technology. The development of modern computers was subsequently based on this very foundation. This is why Charles Babbage is known as the "Father of the Computer."

The World's First Electronic Computer

Friends, the ABC—or Atanasoff-Berry Computer—holds the distinction of being the first electronic computer in history. It was developed by Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff, a physics professor at Iowa State University, in collaboration with his graduate student, Clifford Berry. Another revolutionary machine in computer history is the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). To clarify, ENIAC was the world's first programmable, electronic, general-purpose digital computer, built in 1945. It was designed and constructed by the US Army and was initially put into service for their operations. This computer was capable of solving complex numerical problems and allowed for modifications through programming. ENIAC could perform calculations in just 30 seconds that would have taken an ordinary person 20 hours to complete; this remarkable capability earned it immense popularity at the time. However, ENIAC had a significant drawback: its massive size and weight. It required a 20x40-foot room for installation and weighed approximately 30 tons. It was not intended for personal use; access was restricted to specialized personnel.

Five Generations of Computers

Friends, shortly after the creation of this first programmable computer, an industrial revolution swept across the globe. Major companies worldwide sought to manufacture and sell computers, leading to the development of various electronic devices crucial to computer technology. Based on these developments, computers have been categorized into five generations. First-Generation Computers

The first generation of computers spanned the period from 1940 to 1956. The computers built during this time utilized vacuum tubes. These vacuum tubes were very large and heavy; consequently, first-generation computers were massive and bulky, making them impossible to move from one location to another. ENIAC is a prime example of a first-generation computer; it contained 20,000 vacuum tubes, 10,000 capacitors, and 70,000 resistors. Apart from ENIAC, EDSAC and UNIVAC 1 were also first-generation computers.

Second-Generation Computers

Let us now look at second-generation computers. This generation spanned the period from 1956 to 1963. A new technology—the transistor—was introduced during this era. This technology replaced vacuum tubes in computers, leading to the use of transistors instead. The use of transistors resulted in computers becoming smaller and lighter than their predecessors. Additionally, processing speeds improved significantly. Notable computers from this generation include the IBM 7070, Philco Transac S-1000, and RCA 501. All these models utilized transistors, a technology invented in 1956.

Third-Generation Computers

Computers of the previous type were widely used from 1956 to 1963. However, a new technology emerged in 1964, marking the beginning of the third generation. This new technology was the IC, or Integrated Circuit. It further reduced the size of computers and enabled them to perform calculations even faster than second-generation models. The invention of the IC revolutionized the world of computing—a fact underscored by its continued use in computers today. For this reason, the third generation is often referred to as the "Golden Generation."

Fourth-Generation Computers

The fourth generation began in 1972, following the third generation. This generation is particularly significant because computers transitioned from occupying large rooms to sitting on people's desks. This shift was driven by the invention of the microprocessor, which made computers not only super-fast but also compact enough for desktop use. Consequently, ordinary people could easily purchase and use them. Notable computers from this generation include the Altair 8800, IBM 5100, and Micral.

Fifth-Generation Computers

Friends, next comes the fifth generation. This is the most modern generation of the computer era, having begun in 2010. It is still ongoing and is likely to continue into the future. This is because computers in this generation utilize AI—or Artificial Intelligence—and you are surely aware of just how powerful AI is. With the advent of AI, humans can communicate with computers using natural language and utilize them in whatever way they choose. AI technologies like Cortana, Siri, and Alexa are found in these types of computers.

When did the computer arrive in India?

Friends, let us now turn to our final question—one that is crucial for us to answer because it relates to our country: when and by whom was the computer introduced in India? The computer era in India is considered to have begun in 1952, as that was the year the first computer was installed at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata by Dwijottam Majumdar. Subsequently, similar analog computers were installed at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. However, in the truest sense, the computer era in India began in 1956, as that was the year the first digital computer—named HEC-2M—was brought to the country. The HEC-2M computer was manufactured in England by the British engineer Andrew Donald Booth. At the time, the computer cost ₹1 lakh in Indian currency. It measured 10 feet in length, 7 feet in width, and 6 feet in height. This computer was also installed at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. It was India's first electronic-based computer, and such machines were used for geographical calculations and scientific work. When this computer was installed in India, the country became the second in Asia—after Japan—to utilize this type of computer technology. The HEC-2M computer relied on punch cards for input and output operations, although a printer was added to the system at a later stage.

The Second Computer in India

Following the HEC-2M, another computer was brought to India in 1958. Purchased from Russia, this computer was even larger in size than the HEC-2M and was named URAL. Both the HEC-2M and URAL computers remained in use in India until 1964. Subsequently, the IBM 1401—manufactured by IBM—was installed at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. It was a data processing computer system; IBM had originally built the system in 1959, and it was installed in India just five years later.

Conclusion

The journey of computers in India began in the 1950s and has undergone continuous evolution over time. Initially, India had to import computers from abroad, but gradually, it began developing its own computer technology. Today, computers have become an integral part of our lives and are used in education, banking, offices, science, and many other fields.