‘Taravalla Thangi Ninna Tamboori Swara’ is a well-known song which has deep meaning. Many have heard this song several times yet unaware of the composer of that song. It is the reformer, Shishunala Sharifa who composed this song.

Shishunala Sharifa was a saint poet, philosopher and social reformer from the State. His compositions of thatvapada (moral poems) are in Kannada language.

Sharifa is recognised as the first ever Muslim poet in Kannada literature. Shishunala Sharifa was born March 7, 1819 in Shishuvinahala, a Village in Shiggaon Taluk of Haveri District. He was the only son and a late born to his parents. Legend has it that Shishunala Sharifa was conceived with the blessings of Gods. As a child, Shishunala Sharifa was very charming and intelligent. After completing his studies, he worked as a school teacher for a while, before taking up spiritual search. He found a Guru in Kalasada Guru Govinda Bhatta. They both shared a very cordial relationship and often engaged in intriguing spiritual discussions.

Though a Muslim by birth, Shishunala Sharifa believed in Hinduism also, bringing in communal harmony. In his birth place Shishuvinahala, even today, both Hindus and Muslims can be seen worshipping him at the same temple. Shishunala Sharifa was known to compose poems as per the situation and sing them to spread the message. Though he never wrote down his compositions, by word of mouth many of them have been passed down to future generations. Further it is believed that Sri Govinda Bhatta, a Brahmin (priestly class in Hindu religion), did not hesitate to make him a Brahmin. Shishunala Sharifa’s preachings can be compared with those of Kabir Das’.

The guru – shishya relationship between Guru Govind Bhatta and Sharifa is the best example of affection between teacher and student and also of the healthy relationship between Hindus and Muslims in the society.