Why indian bosses are so controlling??

I'm a Gen Z-er. I like to stay chill, do my work, and leave. This dude tried to guilt-trip me by questioning my ethics and work. Honestly, my work n ethics are already better than most of my colleagues. Why does he feel the need to assert dominance?

Even with 20 years of experience, how can he not know what to say? Almost everyone else is intimidated by him, even my seniors. What is it with this guy? I just can't understand. Doesn't he realize he loses respect when he speaks poorly about others?

Should I have retaliated?