Rome’s historic tribute to India’s Ganga | Piazza Navona & India-Italy civilizational ties

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]I'm from Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome. One of Italy's most iconic historical landmarks also carries a unique connection to India. The centuries-old Fountain of the Four Rivers represents four major rivers from four continents, and among them is India's sacred Ganga, symbolizing Asia and its spiritual and civilizational heritage. The monument reflects how India's cultural influence was recognized globally even centuries ago, and today stands as a reminder of the long-standing historical and cultural ties between India and Italy. Akshata brings you this report from Rome.

[00:00:40]We're right now in the capital of Italy, Rome. This is one of the oldest cities in the world, one of the most known cities in the world. A city that is not only a symbol of civilization, it's a city that has stood the test of time. It has It is a city that is mentioned in history when we talk about the world's history anywhere in the world. And as far as the culture of Rome, the culture of Italy is concerned, it goes back to several centuries. And as far as the the heritage of the country is concerned, it it is also one of the most symbolic in the world. But also, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to Italy, this is This is perhaps one country that has held civilizational links with India for several centuries. In fact, where we are present right now, this is the heart of Rome. And in this heart of Rome, the the monument that is behind me, the place is called Piazza Navona, which is Navona Square. And this monument that you're seeing right now is a monument that is designated for four rivers of four continents that was built in the fifth in the 17th century. In fact, it was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1600s. And the four river gods represent four major rivers from continents known at that time.

[00:01:59]One is a Nile River from Africa, the new river from Europe, Rio de Plata River in America, and the Ganga River in Asia. So, this this fountain that you see right now is representing the Ganga River. This was built in 17th century in 1600s, and we can we can get an estimate of the knowledge that people had at that time and the kind of limited movement of people that used to take place. But, still when it comes to the civilizational links between the two countries, Ganga finds finds a mention even in the most historic monuments, even the historic and symbolic monuments here in one of the most symbolic cities.

[00:02:40]This monument also is several hundred years old, and when we talk about the culture of Rome, the civilizational links that the two countries have, you can you can find the closeness of the cultures by finding the mentions of rivers from India from Africa and from other continents of the two continents as well.

[00:02:59]Now, as as we talk about the civilizational links with the Prime Minister's visit, they're expected to get closer. If you look at the history, the civilizational links have always been there, and they are now only getting stronger. In Rome, Italy with camera person Sumit Dhiman, I'm Akshita Dongre, DD India.