Etymology of Tamil 'maiyam'

[Sudalaimuthu Palaniappan]

Dear Indologists,
 
The Tamil word 'maiyam' meaning 'center, middle'  seems to be derived  
ultimately from Sanskrit 'madhya'. I would like to know the Prakrit dialect  which 
was the direct source for the Tamil word. I do not have Pischel's work at  hand.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Regards,
S. Palaniappan



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