The theory of the Asiatic Mode of Production (AMP) was devised by Karl Marxaround the early 1850s.The essence of the theories has been described as (the) suggestion.....that the Asiatic societies were held in thrall by a despotic ruling clique, residing in central cities and directly expropriating surplus from largely autarkic and generally undifferentiated village communities.
The theory continues to arouse heated discussion among contemporary Marxists and non-Marxists alike.Some have rejected the whole concept on the grounds that the socio-economic formations of pre-capitalist Asia did not differ enough from those of feudal Europe to warrant special designation.Aside from Marx, Engels was also an enthusiastic commentator on the AMP.They both focussed on the ocio-economic base of AMPsociety.
Marx's theory focuses on the organisation of labour and depends on his distinction between the following :
i) The means or forces of production, things such as land, natural sources, necessary for the production of material goods, and
ii) the relations of production, the social relationships people enter into as they acquire and use the means of production.
Thev Asiatic mode of production is a notion that has been the subject of much deliberation on the part of Marxistand non-Marxistcommentators alike.. 
