Satakam
Sathakam is a literary piece of art. The name derives from "Sata", which means a "hundred" in Sanskrit. Sathakam usually comprises a hundred poems (give or take). Hence, a Sathakam is a volume (book) of hundred poems. Since the creation of Satakams have been around for centuries, they were passed down by transcribers of the bygone eras. Sometime some of the poems are lost to time. At other times the transcribers insert new ones mistakenly or deliberately. However, by doing a comparative study of the same literary work from multiple branches scholars establish which parts are authentic and original . Purpose of Sathakam. Satakams are usually devotional, philosophical or convey morals. Some sathakams such as the Sumathi Satakam are popular because of their simplicity and their usefulness in conveying morals which can be taught to school aged children. Structure and Composition. Satakams are written in various well known literary scales. While some scales are very old and derive from the Vedic age (called Vedic scales), some are particular to some regions and languages.