Archive · 24 Jun 2025
New Documentary Explores Historical Skin Preferences in India
Imagine a movie that goes back in time to India long ago!
It shows that people back then liked dark skin, even more than today.
They might have used something like sesame oil to make their skin darker.
The movie also follows two famous explorers, Marco Polo and Niccolo de Conti, from Italy.
The movie is a joint project by India and Italy and it tries to show the cultural differences of that time.
The movie talks about the historical significance of people from that time and their cultural beliefs, including the celebration of festivals like Holi.
It was created to help people from both countries understand each other better.
The documentary premiered in Bengaluru, where people could watch it and learn something new about history.
A documentary film explores historical perceptions of dark skin in India.
The film features travels of Venetian explorers Marco Polo and Niccolo de Conti.
It reveals that people in the past used substances to darken their skin.
The film is a collaboration between India and Italy, supported by various organizations.
The documentary was officially released on June 23 in Bengaluru.
- Who
- Marco Polo, Niccolo de Conti, and the filmmakers, supported by the Italian Consulate, the Karnataka Ministry of Tourism, and others.
- What
- A documentary film exploring historical perceptions of skin color and the journeys of Venetian explorers.
- When
- The film was released on June 23.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India; historical India (Vijayanagara kingdom, etc.).
- Why
- To explore historical cultural differences and promote cross-cultural understanding between India and Italy.
Historians
Filmmakers
Marco Polo's presence
Historians
Dispute Marco Polo's presence in the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur based on timeline.
Filmmakers
The European-looking figure in the temple might be Marco Polo, as stated by the director of the film.
- Film Title
- The India They Saw
- Explorers Featured
- Marco Polo, Niccolo de Conti
- Collaboration
- India and Italy
- Supported by
- Italian Consulate, Karnataka Ministry of Tourism, etc.
- Historical Period
- 13th and 14th centuries
- Key Theme
- Historical beauty standards and skin color perception