The noble entrances.

[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]

The entrance doors of a few houses and mosques and monuments in old parts of Delhi such as Mehrauli, Nizamuddin Basti and Matia Mahal have an artistic character. They add dignity to the sad streets that are filthy, congested and full of stench. There is simplicity of style and nobility of elegance. Sometimes it’s a tattered old curtain that adds grace to its door. But Delhi, like any living city, is changing. Old buildings are being demolished. Havelis with inner courtyards are giving way to apartment complexes. The carved wooden doors set in arched entrances are becoming rare. Soon, they will survive only in photographs.

Chitli Qabar

Matia Mahal

Bulbuli Khana

Safdarjang’s Tomb

Chawri Bazaar

Paharganj

Chandni Chowk

Khari Baoli

Hauz Khas Village

Shahganj

Mehrauli

Turkman Gate

Chandni Chowk

Nizamuddin Basti

Nizamuddin Basti

The changing time, Hauz Khas Village

The changing time, Behind Jama Masjid