Esteemed Indologists, Have read that skt. mahila/mahIla(=female) is of Dravidian roots; Compare with tamil "makaL" = daughter, female. makaL is pronounced as mahaL. Grateful for those who give the reference. Is it by Burrow or Emeneau? Thanks, N. Ganesan ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com