Kanaka Dasa (1509–1609) was a great poet, philosopher, musician and composer from Karnataka

Karnataka

Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

. He is known for his Kirtanes

Kriti

-Structure:Kritis typically contain three parts#Pallavi. This is the equivalent of a refrain in Western music.#Anupallavi. The second verse, which is sometimes optional....

 and Ugabhoga

Ugabhoga

The term ugabhoga refers to a type of vocal piece in Carnatic music, in which the artist elaborates the treatment of raga characteristics through freestyle verses with or without tala.-History:...

 compositions in the Kannada language for Carnatic music

Carnatic music

Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...

. Like some other dasas, he often used colloquial language for his compositions.
Thimmappa Nayaka was his original name and he belonged to chieftain (Kuruba Gowda ) / (Dhangar

Dhangar

The Dhangar caste is primarily located in the Indian state of Maharashtra...

) family of Kaginele

Kaginele

Kaginele, is the Karmabhoomi of Kanaka Dasa a great saint from Kuruba Gowda community. He lived and wrote most of his work here until his death. It is a village situated in Haveri district of Karnataka state, India. The "Keshava" temple is situated in Kaginele. Keshava was the family deity of shri...

 in Haveri

Haveri

Haveriis a town in Karnataka. It is the administrative headquarters of Haveri District. The name Haveri is derived from the Kannada words havu and keri, which means place of snakes. Haveri is famous for its cardamom garlands. It is said that Haveri had around 1000 maths in ancient days. One of...

 district. He was born to the Kuruba Gowda couple Biregowda and Beechamma at Bada

Minicoy

Minicoy, locally known as Maliku is a census town in the Indian union territory of Lakshadweep and was formerly a part of Maldive Islands.-Etymology:...

 village.