Yes, on reflection, I think it is more about Gunga Din being equal to and finally better than he white 'masters'. It just shows that use of language is very important when discussing these matters. The mentioned line 'for all 'is dirty 'ide' etc. I would take as a positive, meaning we are all the same under the skin. The more negative connotation is that 'white' is better than his brown dirty 'ide. As Kipling is far more a master of language that I, I would certainly give him the benefit of the doubt as well and point out that the language of the day had many different meanings to that of now!

It appears you're more forgiving than many on here;
You're a better man than I am, Dave the Gnome! :)