The correct answer is (a) Karl Marx.
The Asiatic mode of production is a concept in Marxist theory that describes a specific form of social organization that was prevalent in pre-capitalist societies in Asia. It is characterized by a centralized state that controls the means of production and a peasantry that is tied to the land.
Marx first developed the concept of the Asiatic mode of production in his 1853 book The British Rule in India. In this book, he argued that the Indian subcontinent was characterized by a system of social organization that was fundamentally different from the capitalist system that was emerging in Europe. He argued that the Indian system was based on a centralized state that controlled the means of production and a peasantry that was tied to the land.
Marx’s concept of the Asiatic mode of production has been controversial since it was first proposed. Some scholars have argued that it is a useful tool for understanding pre-capitalist societies in Asia, while others have argued that it is a flawed and outdated concept.
(b) Max Weber was a German sociologist who is best known for his work on bureaucracy, religion, and social stratification. He did not propose the concept of the Asiatic mode of production.
(c) S.M. Lipset was an American sociologist who is best known for his work on political sociology and comparative politics. He did not propose the concept of the Asiatic mode of production.
(d) W.W. Rostow was an American economist who is best known for his theory of economic development. He did not propose the concept of the Asiatic mode of production.