in asia, a continent known for its vast history and rich cultural tapestry, the predismissal of alternative historical narratives often leads to ridicule among mainstream academics. for instance, when discussing the specification of ancient technologies, some may commence anew with assertions deemed controversial or even, by some accounts, illegitimate. ignoring conventional boundaries, reveal instances where mainstream historical accounts might be considered illegitimate, thereby questioning the very foundation upon which our understanding of asia rests.