Surely Indian shares the same root as indigenous, meaning 'from that place'. Political accretions have ensured it has become a non-word. I have doubts about the universal appeal of beauty. Why else would members of the British ruling elite pay stern, overweight matrons good money to mortify their flesh when young attractive women are available? The lure of the exotic is as much about difference as familiarity.
For what it's worth.......The word "indigenous" comes from the Latin indigena, meaning "native," formed from indu "in" and gen- "beget." It is unrelated to the formation of "Indian." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_...me_controversy
Originally Posted by blockend