Introduction

This Introduction presents the book as a multi-sided enquiry located beyond the physical and conceptual boundaries of nation and state. It unravels stories of translation, transfer and self-transformation which characterized the rich intercourse between two non-contiguous regions, Bengal and Italy. Each area having inherited a central role as epicentres of expansive cultural movements in their respective continental regions and beyond, they were both inspired to search for mutual enrichment in a free, non-hegemonic fashion. This kind of ‘elective affinity’ sets a valuable example of transcultural dialogue which may inspire today’s disjointed world and underlines the interconnectedness of peoples and countries. The book aims to demonstrate this through an analysis of an almost two-century-long engagement in the fields of literature, art, cinema, travel, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, political ideology and intellectual history.