arguing over the history of civilizations is one thing and could be objective. but some of you guys are now making it a matter of personal status in society and are attempting to quietly justify the authenticity of your race/caste, which is fundamentally so arbitrary and subjective. just one example: i was in a remote nepali district of Bhajang a few years ago and met a family with an interesting history... the King of Bhajang (they had their own kings until recently) once met a "brahmin" boy who was very good at playing drums, a profession traditionally held by one of the "lowest" castes... The King was so pleased with his skills that he pronounced that the boy should now belong to that caste... The family I met was only 2nd generation into the new caste the King assigned and was living a tough life, like most from the oppressed castes. now prove to me that your (or your grandfather's) caste/race (or whatever you call it) is authentic and your implied pride of it justifiable.