A case of too many historical treasures?

Even the most ardent Delhi-hater would have to admit that the city has a large collection of monuments and historic sites that can't even be matched by Rome, Istanbul or Cairo. In several corners of the city, you see some building that has some historical value. Many cities around the world would love to have something as beautiful as the Safdarjung's tomb, but in Delhi, even the authorities belittle the beautiful mausoleum by comparing it to Humayun's Tomb.

Many people ignore the beautiful violet-tiled domed monument that forms a round-about outside Humayun's Tomb. Ask a passer-by what the beautiful monument is and you will either get a blank stare or some response like "it's as old as the Qutub Minar."

Writers like William Dalrymple have said that many historic gems have been demolished in parts of the city with no one batting an eyelid. I guess Delhi is a city that just has way too many treasures for its own good. One can't pluck out a historical monument and plant it a place that has nothing though. Sure, Nagpur could use the Safdarjung's Tomb, but that wouldn't be right would it?

There is a growing pride about the city among Delhites. It's time more Delhites adopted the historic monuments in their own areas and took some initiative in their restoration.