A Feast of Vultures - Revision history

KelseyMarsden6: further updated lead additionally

2026-01-30T06:29:13Z

further updated lead additionally

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:59, 30 January 2026
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	{{more footnotes\|date=July 2018}}		{{more footnotes needed\|date=July 2018}}
	{{Infobox book		{{Infobox book
	\| name = A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India		\| name = A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India
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	\| language = English		\| language = English
	\| country = India		\| country = India
			\| image = File:A Feast of Vultures.jpg
			\| caption = First edition
	\| published = 28 July 2016		\| published = 28 July 2016
	\| publisher = HarperCollins India		\| publisher = HarperCollins India
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	\| pages = 256		\| pages = 256
	\| isbn = 978-9-35-029751-3		\| isbn = 978-9-35-029751-3
	~~\| image =~~
	}}		}}

	'''''A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India''''' is a 2016 book by Indian [[Investigative journalism\|investigative journalist]] [[Josy Joseph]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/book/a-feast-of-vultures/\|title=Music Masti Modernity\|website=harpercollins.co.in\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> It examines and documents the democracy of [[modern India]], drawing attention to corruption in both business and government, and the intertwining of money and muscle power in politics .		'''''A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India''''' is a 2016 book by Indian [[Investigative journalism\|investigative journalist]] [[Josy Joseph]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/book/a-feast-of-vultures/\|title=Music Masti Modernity\|website=harpercollins.co.in\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> It examines and documents the democracy of [[modern India]], drawing attention to corruption in both business and government, and the intertwining of money and muscle power in politics.

	== Summary ==		== Summary ==
	''A Feast of Vultures'' is a multi-level inquiry into the [[Government of India\|Indian government]], which examines, investigates and analyzes several major [[~~Political~~ scandal~~\|political scandals~~]] and highlights evidence of corruption against some of the country's largest political and business figures and houses.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inside-track-cbi-disarmed-2958544/\|title=Inside Track: CBI dis(armed)\|date=2016-08-07\|newspaper=The Indian Express\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/books/unedited-truth.html\|title=Unedited truth\|website=www.dailypioneer.com\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-slugfest-at-the-tata-corral\|title=A slugfest at the Tata corral\|last=hermes\|date=2016-11-04\|newspaper=The Straits Times\|access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref> The book places particular focus on government-affiliated individuals who conduct business through their personal connections, resulting in what it argues are some of the country's largest business monopolies.<ref>{{Cite journal\|last=Ghose\|first=Aurobindo\|date=February 1972\|title=Monopoly in Indian Industry: An Approach\|journal=Economic and Political Weekly\|volume=7\|issue=5/7\|pages=385–392\|jstor=4361016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/watch-and-listen-josy-joseph-on-the-state-of-the-nation/story-fUrZznA9Sfm0TrNVifFiGO.html\|title=Watch and listen: Josy Joseph on the state of the nation\|date=2016-08-05\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> This corruption is illustrated through examples of needs: a village needs a road and a hospital, a graveyard that needs a wall, and people that need toilets. In addition, the book describes the ways individuals navigated their business and how the government meets those needs.{{Citation needed\|date=September 2018}} The book examines the role of [[Intermediary\|intermediaries]] in the Indian political scenario and how they function in the government settings.		''A Feast of Vultures'' is a multi-level inquiry into the [[Government of India\|Indian government]], which examines, investigates and analyzes several major [[political scandal]]s and highlights evidence of corruption against some of the country's largest political and business figures and houses.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inside-track-cbi-disarmed-2958544/\|title=Inside Track: CBI dis(armed)\|date=2016-08-07\|newspaper=The Indian Express\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/books/unedited-truth.html\|title=Unedited truth\|website=www.dailypioneer.com\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-slugfest-at-the-tata-corral\|title=A slugfest at the Tata corral\|last=hermes\|date=2016-11-04\|newspaper=The Straits Times\|access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref> The book places particular focus on government-affiliated individuals who conduct business through their personal connections, resulting in what it argues are some of the country's largest business monopolies.<ref>{{Cite journal\|last=Ghose\|first=Aurobindo\|date=February 1972\|title=Monopoly in Indian Industry: An Approach\|journal=Economic and Political Weekly\|volume=7\|issue=5/7\|pages=385–392\|jstor=4361016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/watch-and-listen-josy-joseph-on-the-state-of-the-nation/story-fUrZznA9Sfm0TrNVifFiGO.html\|title=Watch and listen: Josy Joseph on the state of the nation\|date=2016-08-05\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> This corruption is illustrated through examples of needs: a village needs a road and a hospital, a graveyard that needs a wall, and people that need toilets. In addition, the book describes the ways individuals navigated their business and how the government meets those needs.{{Citation needed\|date=September 2018}} The book examines the role of [[Intermediary\|intermediaries]] in the Indian political scenario and how they function in the government settings.

	The book contrasts the lives of the anonymous poor with those of the rich and famous, and how the [[Economic inequality\|wealth gap]] undermines democratic processes.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/yesterdays-defaulters-are-todays-most-defaulting-billionaires-josy-joseph/346046/\|title=Yesterday's defaulters are today's most defaulting billionaires : Josy Joseph\|date=2016-08-12\|newspaper=The Financial Express\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> It reports on the flourishing phenomenon of middlemen who facilitate access to decision makers and manipulate government decisions. It is suggested that "a whole caste of middlemen" sustains and perpetuates corruption in India.<ref name="newsminute"/> It is prevalent from the lowest police post to the offices of the prime minister and president.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/review-book-review-a-feast-of-vultures-2251619\|title=Book Review: A Feast of Vultures {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis\|date=2016-09-04\|newspaper=dna\|language=en-US\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>		The book contrasts the lives of the anonymous poor with those of the rich and famous, and how the [[Economic inequality\|wealth gap]] undermines democratic processes.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/yesterdays-defaulters-are-todays-most-defaulting-billionaires-josy-joseph/346046/\|title=Yesterday's defaulters are today's most defaulting billionaires : Josy Joseph\|date=2016-08-12\|newspaper=The Financial Express\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> It reports on the flourishing phenomenon of middlemen who facilitate access to decision makers and manipulate government decisions. It is suggested that "a whole caste of middlemen" sustains and perpetuates corruption in India.<ref name="newsminute"/> It is prevalent from the lowest police post to the offices of the prime minister and president.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/review-book-review-a-feast-of-vultures-2251619\|title=Book Review: A Feast of Vultures {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis\|date=2016-09-04\|newspaper=dna\|language=en-US\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>
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	== Conception and writing ==		== Conception and writing ==

	Joseph has described his book as "an angst-ridden narrative on the distortion of our democracy."<ref name="newsminute">{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/liberalisation-has-given-fillip-middlemen-and-theyve-grown-hundred-times-48589\|title='Liberalisation has given a fillip to middlemen and they've grown a hundred times'\|date=2016-08-21\|newspaper=The News Minute\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Rohan Venkataramakrishnan of [[Scroll.in]] stated that Joseph sought to cover stories which were untold due to concerns of litigation.<ref name="scroll"/> Joseph said in an interview with the news site that he had observed unprecedented [[self-censorship]] by reporters, implying that they and their publishers were fearful of legal action. He said that journalists had thus "forgotten our duty and become lapdogs of the establishment."<ref name="scroll">{{Cite news\|url=http://scroll.in/article/813853/would-rather-set-example-for-my-13-year-old-than-be-afraid-an-investigative-journalist-explains\|title='I would rather set example for my 13-year-old than be afraid': An investigative journalist explains\|last=Venkataramakrishnan\|first=Rohan\|newspaper=Scroll.in\|language=en-US\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Joseph said that ''A Feast of Vultures'' was his first effort in uncensored journalism of modern India.<ref name="RediffOrdinary">{{Cite news\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/interview/ordinary-people-live-in-mortal-fear-in-india/20160914.htm\|title=Ordinary people live in mortal fear in India\|newspaper=Rediff\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>		Joseph has described his book as "an angst-ridden narrative on the distortion of our democracy."<ref name="newsminute">{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/liberalisation-has-given-fillip-middlemen-and-theyve-grown-hundred-times-48589\|title='Liberalisation has given a fillip to middlemen and they've grown a hundred times'\|date=2016-08-21\|newspaper=The News Minute\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Rohan Venkataramakrishnan of [[Scroll.in]] stated that Joseph sought to cover stories which were untold due to concerns of litigation.<ref name="scroll"/> Joseph said in an interview with the news site that he had observed unprecedented [[self-censorship]] by reporters, implying that they and their publishers were fearful of legal action. He said that journalists had thus "forgotten our duty and become lapdogs of the establishment."<ref name="scroll">{{Cite news\|url=http://scroll.in/article/813853/would-rather-set-example-for-my-13-year-old-than-be-afraid-an-investigative-journalist-explains\|title='I would rather set example for my 13-year-old than be afraid': An investigative journalist explains\|last=Venkataramakrishnan\|first=Rohan\|newspaper=Scroll.in\|language=en-US\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Joseph said that ''A Feast of Vultures'' was his first effort in uncensored journalism of modern India.<ref name="RediffOrdinary">{{Cite news\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/interview/ordinary-people-live-in-mortal-fear-in-india/20160914.htm\|title=Ordinary people live in mortal fear in India\|newspaper=Rediff\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>

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	== Interviews ==		== Interviews ==
	{{~~example farm~~\|section\|date=January 2019\|Rather than a list of quotes, quotations should be used to illustrate the article's content. Thus, the most relevant of these should be placed in the appropriate sections to illustrate points. In many cases longer quotes should be paraphrased or otherwise trimmed (see [[MOS:QUOTE]] and [[MOS:PMC]]). For example, I used some of the quotes to build the conception section. Do similarly with the others and/or remove this section.}}		{{excessive examples\|section\|date=January 2019\|Rather than a list of quotes, quotations should be used to illustrate the article's content. Thus, the most relevant of these should be placed in the appropriate sections to illustrate points. In many cases longer quotes should be paraphrased or otherwise trimmed (see [[MOS:QUOTE]] and [[MOS:PMC]]). For example, I used some of the quotes to build the conception section. Do similarly with the others and/or remove this section.}}
	In an interview with Rohan Venkataramakrishnan for Scroll.in, Joseph said:		In an interview with Rohan Venkataramakrishnan for Scroll.in, Joseph said:
	*"I'm the father of a 13-year-old girl. I would rather set an example for her than let my friends in the industry be happy or be scared of someone. I'm ready for it, if there is any litigation, I think it would be a great fight to have".		*"I'm the father of a 13-year-old girl. I would rather set an example for her than let my friends in the industry be happy or be scared of someone. I'm ready for it, if there is any litigation, I think it would be a great fight to have".
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	Reviews of the book were largely positive. [[Harish Khare]], editor of ''The Tribune'', called it "an irritatingly brilliant book [told] with considerable competence and style." He further described it as a sobering and condemning view absent from newspapers.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sunday-special/columns/wave-the-national-flag-grandly/280317.html\|title=Wave the National Flag grandly…\|last=Khare\|first=Harish\|date=2016-08-14\|work=The Tribune\|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Rishi Raj of ''[[The Financial Express (India)\|The Financial Express]]'' agreed that the realistic viewpoint was rarely seen in journalism or academic works, and recommended it to analysts and those interested in an uncompromising look at post-independence India.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/companies/a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business-of-democracy-in-india-book-review/380811/\|title=A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India; Book Review\|date=2016-09-18\|newspaper=The Financial Express\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>		Reviews of the book were largely positive. [[Harish Khare]], editor of ''The Tribune'', called it "an irritatingly brilliant book [told] with considerable competence and style." He further described it as a sobering and condemning view absent from newspapers.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sunday-special/columns/wave-the-national-flag-grandly/280317.html\|title=Wave the National Flag grandly…\|last=Khare\|first=Harish\|date=2016-08-14\|work=The Tribune\|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Rishi Raj of ''[[The Financial Express (India)\|The Financial Express]]'' agreed that the realistic viewpoint was rarely seen in journalism or academic works, and recommended it to analysts and those interested in an uncompromising look at post-independence India.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/companies/a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business-of-democracy-in-india-book-review/380811/\|title=A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India; Book Review\|date=2016-09-18\|newspaper=The Financial Express\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>

	Soutik Biswas of [[Open (Indian magazine)\|''OPEN'' magazine]] called it "an ambitious inquiry of what ails India [...] Part memoir, part reportage and part polemic".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/books/the-other-side-of-midnight\|title=The Other Side of Midnight {{!}} OPEN Magazine\|website=OPEN Magazine\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Aditya Sinha of ''[[Mint (newspaper)\|Mint]]'' stated that it was "meticulously researched and intelligently written" and "reads like a thriller".<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/2TIvyIJAi68p4EtUVwyijL/Book-review-A-Feast-Of-Vultures.html\|title=Book review: A Feast Of Vultures\|last=Sinha\|first=Aditya\|date=2016-09-30\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Namrata Biji Ahuja of ''[[The Week Magazine\|The Week]]'' called it a "fascinating tale of modern India and its journey as a liberal economy" and a call to action against "the business-as-usual approach which allows crony capitalism, scandals and scams."<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.theweek.in/books/a-feast-of-vultures.html\|title=Under investigation\|newspaper=theweek.in\|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>		Soutik Biswas of [[Open (Indian magazine)\|''OPEN'' magazine]] called it "an ambitious inquiry of what ails India [...] Part memoir, part reportage and part polemic".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/books/the-other-side-of-midnight\|title=The Other Side of Midnight {{!}} OPEN Magazine\|website=OPEN Magazine\|date=14 September 2016 \|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Aditya Sinha of ''[[Mint (newspaper)\|Mint]]'' stated that it was "meticulously researched and intelligently written" and "reads like a thriller".<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/2TIvyIJAi68p4EtUVwyijL/Book-review-A-Feast-Of-Vultures.html\|title=Book review: A Feast Of Vultures\|last=Sinha\|first=Aditya\|date=2016-09-30\|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Namrata Biji Ahuja of ''[[The Week Magazine\|The Week]]'' called it a "fascinating tale of modern India and its journey as a liberal economy" and a call to action against "the business-as-usual approach which allows [[crony capitalism]], scandals and scams."<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.theweek.in/books/a-feast-of-vultures.html\|title=Under investigation\|newspaper=theweek.in\|access-date=2016-11-09\|archive-date=2016-11-08\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108183244/http://www.theweek.in/books/a-feast-of-vultures.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	=== Awards ===		=== Awards ===
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	== Malayalam Edition ==		== Malayalam Edition ==
	''A'' ''Feast of Vultures'': ''The Hidden Business of Democracy in India'', released in English in 2016, was translated into Malayalam by K.N. Ashok, a noted journalist and author, and published by Azhimukham Media Private Limited in July 2021. The Malayalam edition has a new introduction and additions not included in the original English edition.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-07-05\|title=കഴുകന്മാരുടെ വിരുന്ന്; ഇന്ത്യന്‍ ജനാധിപത്യത്തിന്റെ നിഗൂഢ വ്യാപാരങ്ങള്‍\|url=https://azhimukham.com/aazhimukham-plus/some-ecerpts-from-a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business/cid3490256.htm\|access-date=2021-07-08\|website=azhimukham.com\|language=ml}}</ref>		''A'' ''Feast of Vultures'': ''The Hidden Business of Democracy in India'', released in English in 2016, was translated into Malayalam by K.N. Ashok, a noted journalist and author, and published by Azhimukham Media Private Limited in July 2021. The Malayalam edition has a new introduction and additions not included in the original English edition.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-07-05\|title=കഴുകന്മാരുടെ വിരുന്ന്; ഇന്ത്യന്‍ ജനാധിപത്യത്തിന്റെ നിഗൂഢ വ്യാപാരങ്ങള്‍\|url=https://azhimukham.com/aazhimukham-plus/some-ecerpts-from-a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business/cid3490256.htm\|access-date=2021-07-08\|website=azhimukham.com\|language=ml\|archive-date=2021-07-09\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185854/https://azhimukham.com/aazhimukham-plus/some-ecerpts-from-a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business/cid3490256.htm\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

			{{Authority control}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Feast of Vultures, A}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Feast of Vultures, A}}
	[[Category:2016 non-fiction books]]		[[Category:2016 non-fiction books]]
	[[Category:Books about politics of India]]		[[Category:Books about politics of India]]
	[[Category:English-language books]]		[[Category:English-language non-fiction books]]
	[[Category:HarperCollins books]]		[[Category:HarperCollins books]]

>SoniSomarajan: Included a new section: Malayalam Edition.

2021-07-08T10:45:02Z

Included a new section: Malayalam Edition.

New page

{{more footnotes|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox book
| name = A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India
| author = [[Josy Joseph]]
| language = English
| country = India
| published = 28 July 2016
| publisher = HarperCollins India
| media_type = Print
| pages = 256
| isbn = 978-9-35-029751-3
| image =
}}

'''''A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India''''' is a 2016 book by Indian [[Investigative journalism|investigative journalist]] [[Josy Joseph]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/book/a-feast-of-vultures/|title=Music Masti Modernity|website=harpercollins.co.in|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> It examines and documents the democracy of [[modern India]], drawing attention to corruption in both business and government, and the intertwining of money and muscle power in politics .

== Summary ==
''A Feast of Vultures'' is a multi-level inquiry into the [[Government of India|Indian government]], which examines, investigates and analyzes several major [[Political scandal|political scandals]] and highlights evidence of corruption against some of the country's largest political and business figures and houses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inside-track-cbi-disarmed-2958544/|title=Inside Track: CBI dis(armed)|date=2016-08-07|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/books/unedited-truth.html|title=Unedited truth|website=www.dailypioneer.com|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-slugfest-at-the-tata-corral|title=A slugfest at the Tata corral|last=hermes|date=2016-11-04|newspaper=The Straits Times|access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref> The book places particular focus on government-affiliated individuals who conduct business through their personal connections, resulting in what it argues are some of the country's largest business monopolies.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ghose|first=Aurobindo|date=February 1972|title=Monopoly in Indian Industry: An Approach|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=7|issue=5/7|pages=385–392|jstor=4361016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/watch-and-listen-josy-joseph-on-the-state-of-the-nation/story-fUrZznA9Sfm0TrNVifFiGO.html|title=Watch and listen: Josy Joseph on the state of the nation|date=2016-08-05|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> This corruption is illustrated through examples of needs: a village needs a road and a hospital, a graveyard that needs a wall, and people that need toilets. In addition, the book describes the ways individuals navigated their business and how the government meets those needs.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}} The book examines the role of [[Intermediary|intermediaries]] in the Indian political scenario and how they function in the government settings.

The book contrasts the lives of the anonymous poor with those of the rich and famous, and how the [[Economic inequality|wealth gap]] undermines democratic processes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/yesterdays-defaulters-are-todays-most-defaulting-billionaires-josy-joseph/346046/|title=Yesterday's defaulters are today's most defaulting billionaires : Josy Joseph|date=2016-08-12|newspaper=The Financial Express|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> It reports on the flourishing phenomenon of middlemen who facilitate access to decision makers and manipulate government decisions. It is suggested that "a whole caste of middlemen" sustains and perpetuates corruption in India.<ref name="newsminute"/> It is prevalent from the lowest police post to the offices of the prime minister and president.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/review-book-review-a-feast-of-vultures-2251619|title=Book Review: A Feast of Vultures {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2016-09-04|newspaper=dna|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>

A particular segment of the economy{{which|date=January 2019}} is examined to show how democratic institutions are easily manipulated by ambitious and well-funded businessmen, who seek preferential treatment directly or through intermediaries including organized crime figures. Through a detailed investigation, the author provides his own evidence, arguing that some of modern India's most successful entrepreneurs have thrived through bribes, manipulation, and possibly even murder.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}}

In the final segment of the book, Joseph argues that India's elite are the beneficiaries of corruption, using their financial and political clout to steer policy-making and legislation.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}}. The elite are described as 'puppet masters' who straddle political and economic power, unencumbered by either democratic accountability or regulatory oversight.

== Conception and writing ==

Joseph has described his book as "an angst-ridden narrative on the distortion of our democracy."<ref name="newsminute">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/liberalisation-has-given-fillip-middlemen-and-theyve-grown-hundred-times-48589|title='Liberalisation has given a fillip to middlemen and they've grown a hundred times'|date=2016-08-21|newspaper=The News Minute|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Rohan Venkataramakrishnan of [[Scroll.in]] stated that Joseph sought to cover stories which were untold due to concerns of litigation.<ref name="scroll"/> Joseph said in an interview with the news site that he had observed unprecedented [[self-censorship]] by reporters, implying that they and their publishers were fearful of legal action. He said that journalists had thus "forgotten our duty and become lapdogs of the establishment."<ref name="scroll">{{Cite news|url=http://scroll.in/article/813853/would-rather-set-example-for-my-13-year-old-than-be-afraid-an-investigative-journalist-explains|title='I would rather set example for my 13-year-old than be afraid': An investigative journalist explains|last=Venkataramakrishnan|first=Rohan|newspaper=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Joseph said that ''A Feast of Vultures'' was his first effort in uncensored journalism of modern India.<ref name="RediffOrdinary">{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/interview/ordinary-people-live-in-mortal-fear-in-india/20160914.htm|title=Ordinary people live in mortal fear in India|newspaper=Rediff|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>

== Cover ==
The cover of ''A Feast of Vultures'' combines two images: a [[Branded Entertainment Network|Corbis]] / [[Getty Images]] photograph of the bed of a farmer who committed suicide, his photograph propped up against a pillow, with a background of skyscrapers.

== Interviews ==
{{example farm|section|date=January 2019|Rather than a list of quotes, quotations should be used to illustrate the article's content. Thus, the most relevant of these should be placed in the appropriate sections to illustrate points. In many cases longer quotes should be paraphrased or otherwise trimmed (see [[MOS:QUOTE]] and [[MOS:PMC]]). For example, I used some of the quotes to build the conception section. Do similarly with the others and/or remove this section.}}
In an interview with Rohan Venkataramakrishnan for Scroll.in, Joseph said:
*"I'm the father of a 13-year-old girl. I would rather set an example for her than let my friends in the industry be happy or be scared of someone. I'm ready for it, if there is any litigation, I think it would be a great fight to have".
*"Very honestly, I've been in Delhi for 25 years, and I've never seen this level of self-censorship in public discourse, ever. The worst is the self-censorship that reporters are subjecting themselves to, and the distortion of facts. I hope it's a short-lived phenomenon. In a young country like ours, you cannot suppress dissent. At least not forever."
*"It's an embarrassing thing for journalists, though. We've forgotten our duty and become lapdogs of the establishment. Some of us will have to stand up and fight, and be firm about values. It is when we stand up, then things will change."<ref name="scroll"/>

In an interview with Preetha Nair for [http://www.newsminute.com TheNewsMinute.com], Joseph said:
*"It is a coincidence that my book comes at a time when we are celebrating 25 years of liberalisation and 70 years of independence. A lot of us born in the socialist era have come to believe that middlemen are part of our system. Liberalisation has given a fillip to middlemen and they've grown a hundred times. If you get the right middleman, you can even buy a government. My book is an angst-ridden narrative on the distortion of our democracy".
*"One of the fundamental flaws in our system is that Indian politics sucks in a lot of black money and our corporates are forced to feed the political class. If we can bring transparency in political funding, that itself will diminish corruption".<ref name="newsminute"/>

In an interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf for [[Rediff.com]], Joseph said:
*"As reporters, we are always dealing with a tiny bit of a large puzzle. We are also hamstrung by space limitations, various kinds of censorships imposed by corporate, political and such interests as well as other restrictions. I wanted to report and interpret modern India without any self-censorship, varnishing or any other considerations. ''A Feast Of Vultures'' is my first step in this direction".<ref name="RediffOrdinary"/>

== Reception ==
=== Critical reviews ===
Reviews of the book were largely positive. [[Harish Khare]], editor of ''The Tribune'', called it "an irritatingly brilliant book [told] with considerable competence and style." He further described it as a sobering and condemning view absent from newspapers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sunday-special/columns/wave-the-national-flag-grandly/280317.html|title=Wave the National Flag grandly…|last=Khare|first=Harish|date=2016-08-14|work=The Tribune|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Rishi Raj of ''[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]'' agreed that the realistic viewpoint was rarely seen in journalism or academic works, and recommended it to analysts and those interested in an uncompromising look at post-independence India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/companies/a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business-of-democracy-in-india-book-review/380811/|title=A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India; Book Review|date=2016-09-18|newspaper=The Financial Express|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>

Soutik Biswas of [[Open (Indian magazine)|''OPEN'' magazine]] called it "an ambitious inquiry of what ails India [...] Part memoir, part reportage and part polemic".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/books/the-other-side-of-midnight|title=The Other Side of Midnight {{!}} OPEN Magazine|website=OPEN Magazine|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Aditya Sinha of ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'' stated that it was "meticulously researched and intelligently written" and "reads like a thriller".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/2TIvyIJAi68p4EtUVwyijL/Book-review-A-Feast-Of-Vultures.html|title=Book review: A Feast Of Vultures|last=Sinha|first=Aditya|date=2016-09-30|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref> Namrata Biji Ahuja of ''[[The Week Magazine|The Week]]'' called it a "fascinating tale of modern India and its journey as a liberal economy" and a call to action against "the business-as-usual approach which allows crony capitalism, scandals and scams."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theweek.in/books/a-feast-of-vultures.html|title=Under investigation|newspaper=theweek.in|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
In January 2018, ''A Feast of Vultures'' was named the best book of 2017 by the jury in the non-fiction category of the [[Crossword Book Award]].<ref name="RediffCrossword">{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/crossword-book-awards-karan-johar-sudha-murty-sadhguru-win-big/20180119.htm|title=Crossword book awards: Karan Johar, Sudha Murty, Sadhguru win big!|work=Rediff|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> Competing entries included books by Amitav Ghosh, Pradeep Damodaran, Pankaj Mishra and Shashi Tharoor.

== Malayalam Edition ==
''A'' ''Feast of Vultures'': ''The Hidden Business of Democracy in India'', released in English in 2016, was translated into Malayalam by K.N. Ashok, a noted journalist and author, and published by Azhimukham Media Private Limited in July 2021. The Malayalam edition has a new introduction and additions not included in the original English edition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-05|title=കഴുകന്മാരുടെ വിരുന്ന്; ഇന്ത്യന്‍ ജനാധിപത്യത്തിന്റെ നിഗൂഢ വ്യാപാരങ്ങള്‍|url=https://azhimukham.com/aazhimukham-plus/some-ecerpts-from-a-feast-of-vultures-the-hidden-business/cid3490256.htm|access-date=2021-07-08|website=azhimukham.com|language=ml}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Feast of Vultures, A}}
[[Category:2016 non-fiction books]]
[[Category:Books about politics of India]]
[[Category:English-language books]]
[[Category:HarperCollins books]]