India, Sept. 29 -- A dark wooden double door sits within a stately arch, iron studs dotting its panels, giving it a sense of ruggedness and longevity. Some months ago, this old doorway in Old Delhi's Lal Gali stood fully visible, with electric meters clustered on one side and cables passing through a hole above the frame. The traditional structure had made room for modern utilities.

This afternoon, the same doorway is barely visible. Lengths of corrugated pipe lean against its shut doors, alongside construction materials. The electric meters have vanished. The house appears ready for reconstruction. The beautiful doorway might soon follow the meters.

Just how many of Delhi's old doorways will survive such changes? These objects of rundo...