Unveiling India's Forgotten Encounters Through European Eyes: 'The India They Saw'

An intriguing new documentary titled 'The India They Saw' delves into the historical interactions between India and European explorers Marco Polo and Niccolo de Conti. The film highlights remarkable aspects of Indian culture, such as historic beauty standards and vibrant celebrations, from the 13th and 14th centuries.

The documentary, a collaborative effort between India and Italy, is supported by various bodies, including Karnataka's Ministry of Tourism and the Archeological Survey of India. It aims to foster cross-cultural appreciation and shared historical knowledge, particularly emphasizing the lesser-known journeys of de Conti alongside the more renowned Polo.

Released on June 23 at the Bangalore International Centre, the film, narrated in multiple languages, including Kannada, hopes to cultivate goodwill and spark a deeper appreciation of Indo-European historical ties. These stories seek to illuminate historical perspectives that continue to inspire today, as they did for past explorers.

(With inputs from agencies.)