Namma Kannada Nadu

Shishunala Sharif (1819-1889) was a saint poet, philosopher and social reformer from the state of Karnataka in India.He was born on 7 March, 1819 in Shishuvinahala, ( Shiggaon Taluk ) a village in Haveri district, Karnataka.




Shishunala is born in a Muslim Family.As a child, Shishunala Sharif was a very charming and intelligent.It is belived that a great Guru in Shri Kalasada Guru Govinda Bhatta spotted him and persuades shishunala's father to take son as his student. Shishunala learns Hindu traditions, hymns,epics from Guru govinda .They both shared a very cordial relationship and often engaged in intriguing spiritual discussions.


After completing his studies, he worked as a school teacher for a while, before taking up the spiritual search .He composed moral poems in Kannada called Tatvapada .He is recognized as the first ever Muslim poet in Kannada literature. Shishunala Sharif was known to compose poems as per the situation and sing them to spread the messages across.Though, he never penned down his compositions, from the word of mouth quite a few them have been passed on to the next generations. All his works are in colloquial Kannada language that is called Dharwad Kannada.


In his birth place Shishuvinahala, even today both Hindus and Muslims can be seen worshipping him at the same temple. Karnataka State Government has instituted an annual award named after him for achivement in Light Classical Music.



Below are some of his compositions in audio version from Shishunala Shaif Kannada Movie.. Please do click on them to play it..

1 : Haakida Janivaarava Sadgurunatha
2 : Kodagana Kolinungitta
3 : Kuhu Enuthidhe Belava
4 : Alabeda Thangi Alabeda
5 : Mohadha Hendathi Theeridha Balika
6 : Soruthihudhu Maneya Maligi
7 : Taravalla Tagininna