Shishunala Sharif

Shishunala Sharif is also known as Santha Shishunala Sharif. He was an Indian Saint poet, social reformer, and philosopher. He was born on March 7, 1819. Shishunala Sharif’s place of birth is Shishuvinahala village in Shigganvi (present Shiggaon) taluk in Haveri district, Karnataka. His father Imam Saheb was a disciple of Hajaresha Qadri, and his dream was to unite Islam and Hinduism.

His mother’s name is Hujjama. Shishunala Sharif’s father taught him Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Allama Prabhu. He was also conceived with the Basavanna’s blessings. He was taught the principles of both religions when he was a boy. He studied at a Kannada medium village school. He passed the Mulki exams (equivalent to the present-day seventh standard). He learned Urdu, Marathi, and Modi language (Old Kannada script). 

Shishunala Sharif followed a Brahmin Govinda Bhatta back to his village. Govinda Bhatta was popular in the region as an unconventional master. Therefore, he found a guru in Govinda Bhatta. Then, he studied under the Govinda Bhatta. Shishunala Sharif married Fatima after his parents forced him to marry. He had a daughter. After completing his education, he worked as a schoolmaster for a while in Karadagi to support the family. However, he quits his job after Shishunala Sharif's wife passes away shortly. His neighbors adopt his daughter. 

Shishunala Sharif began participating in folk dramas and teaching simple lessons through daily experiences. He also went through utmost poverty, often going without meals. His guru Govinda Bhatta always stood by him through all his troubles. Shishunala Sharif was also known to compose poems. He was also a street poet. He composed music as per the situation and also sang them to expand the message. He was a mystic poet, a “yogi” who hailed from the Shakta background. He also composed devotional music which is still sung today.

His famous compositions include Gudiya Nodiranna Dehada, Tharavalla Thagi Alabeda, Soruthihudu Maneya Maaligi, Mohada Hendathi Theerida Balika, Na Na Embudu Nanalla, and many more. He was also recognized as the first Muslim poet in Kannada literature. He was the master of Tatwa Padaas (Songs of the Soul). His philosophy was based on Hindu or Muslim unity, discarding the inequalities of caste, creed, and religion.

Santha Shishunala Sharifa is a 1990 Kannada biographical feature film directed by T. S. Nagabharana. The movie is based on the life of Shishunala Sharif. All the sixteen songs composed by C. Ashwath for the film have been from the literary work collection of Shishunala Sharif. Kannada actor Sridhar portrayed his character in the film. His songs have been sung by popular playback singers, notably Shimoga Subbanna   Shimoga Subbanna is an Indian singer who worked >> Read More... , C. Ashwath, Archana Udupa Archana Udupa is a singer from Karnataka, who sing >> Read More... , and Raghu Dixit Raghu Dixit, born in Mysuru, Karnataka, is a famou >> Read More... . Raghu Dixit’s self-titled debut album, launched by the famous music director duo Vishal-Shekhar contains two songs, which are compositions of Shishunala Sharif.

The songs are Gudugudiya Sedi Noda and Soruthihudu Maniya Maligi. His next album “Jag Changa” in 2013 also has two songs originally written by Shishunala Sharif. The songs are Kodagana Koli Nungitha and Lokada Kalaji.  After the death of his guru Govinda Bhatta, he lived on for another twenty years. When he realized that his days were few as he began falling ill, Shishunala Sharif decided to give up his body according to Sharana tradition. He left his body on July 3, 1889 AD.