How a diplomatic chat in Karnataka sparked documentary on forgotten Italian explorers
This film revisits the journeys of two Italian explorers who travelled through the Deccan region in the 13th and 14th centuries.
On Monday evening, the consulate general of Italy, in collaboration with the tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India, launched 'The India They Saw: Marco Polo and Niccolò De' Conti's Forgotten Journeys'. The film narrates the travels of two great Venetian explorers, Marco Polo and Niccolò de' Conti, who, during the 13th and 14th centuries, travelled to India and marvelled at what they saw.
Recounting the moment of inspiration, Tagliaferri told TOI: "I was attending the Tourism Utsav organised by the Karnataka govt in June 2024 and happened to be seated next to minister Patil. As the slides on Hampi appeared, I realised how little was spoken about Karnataka's rich heritage in Italy. For most Italians, India is defined by Rajasthan, Kerala, Mumbai, and the Taj Mahal. The south, especially the Deccan, is often overlooked.
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That conversation set off a research journey that led Tagliaferri to the forgotten travels of Niccolò de' Conti, who visited the Vijayanagara empire's capital Bizinegalia — present-day Hampi, and Marco Polo, who documented his time in Tamil Nadu's Mylapore and spoke of the riches and elephants of the Pandiya dynasty.
Motivated to revive these lost narratives and spotlight South India's historical ties with Italy, Tagliaferri collaborated with Ganesh Shankar Raj, director of MINDIA.
"He instantly agreed to work on the film. He assured me he would deliver it at the earliest," said Tagliaferri, who has just two weeks left in India, for he will be posted next in Berlin.
The idea took formal shape in Sept 2024, was proposed to the Italian govt in Jan 2025, received partial funding in Feb. Filming began in March and wrapped a month later, and post-production is now under way.
The documentary includes extensive footage from Tamil Nadu and Hampi, enhanced with computer-generated graphics to recreate the grandeur that once was, compensating for the current poor state of preservation in Hampi.
"The way De' Conti described Hampi is astonishing — especially his account of how king Devaraya I built his empire and maintained a powerful army," said Ganesh. "It's heartbreaking to see the ruins in their current condition.
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The 30-minute film also captures the cultural vibrance of Hampi during festivals, the pearl trade in Mylapore, and the wartime use of elephants described by Marco Polo.
Tagliaferri praised the Karnataka govt for its swift support during production.
"Unlike in many other places where permissions are time-consuming, the Karnataka govt was immensely cooperative. The warmth and openness here has strengthened diplomatic ties between Italy and Karnataka."
The film is set to be dubbed into Kannada for wider reach within the state. "The idea is now to offer it, free of charge, to airlines that connect Italy and India, and to the many OTT platforms on the market.
Patil said: "I hope the film sparks fresh journeys, strengthens the friendship between our peoples, and inspires travellers, filmmakers, and storytellers to explore Hampi and nearby treasures like Anjanadri Hill, Aihole, Lakkundi, and many more, sharing Karnataka's living heritage with the world."
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