Early Social Formations by Amar Farooqui: A Comprehensive and Insightful Introduction to History and Society

# Early Social Formations by Amar Farooqui: A Book Review - ## Introduction - What is the book about? - Who is the author and what is his background? - What is the main argument and perspective of the book? - ## The Prehistoric Period - How does the author define the prehistoric period and its significance? - What are the main features and characteristics of the prehistoric societies? - How does the author explain the emergence of agriculture and sedentary life? - ## The Ancient Civilizations - What are the criteria and examples of ancient civilizations according to the author? - How does the author compare and contrast the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Mesoamerica? - What are the common themes and challenges faced by the ancient civilizations? - ## The Classical Societies - How does the author define the classical societies and their importance? - What are the main features and characteristics of the classical societies of Greece, Rome, India, China, and Persia? - How does the author analyze the political, economic, social, cultural, and religious aspects of the classical societies? - ## The Medieval Period - How does the author define the medieval period and its relevance? - What are the main features and characteristics of the medieval societies of Europe, Byzantium, Islam, India, China, Japan, and Africa? - How does the author examine the interactions and influences among the medieval societies? - ## The Early Modern Period - How does the author define the early modern period and its implications? - What are the main features and characteristics of the early modern societies of Europe, America, Asia, and Africa? - How does the author explore the impact of trade, colonization, slavery, capitalism, and nationalism on the early modern societies? - ## Conclusion - What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the book? - What are the main contributions and limitations of the book to the study of history and social formations? - What are some of the questions and issues raised by the book for further research and discussion? Here is a table that summarizes some of the key information about the book: Title Author Publisher Year Pages ISBN --- --- --- --- --- --- Early Social Formations Amar Farooqui Vijay Chowk Laxmi Nagar 2001 442 817827020X # Early Social Formations by Amar Farooqui: A Book Review History is a fascinating subject that helps us understand the past and its influence on the present and the future. However, history is not just a collection of facts and dates, but a complex and dynamic process of social formations and transformations. How do we study and analyze the different forms and stages of human societies throughout history? What are the factors and forces that shape and change the social structures and cultures of different regions and periods? How do we compare and contrast the similarities and differences among the diverse historical experiences and realities of human beings? These are some of the questions and issues that are addressed by Amar Farooqui in his book Early Social Formations. The book is an introduction to the study of history and social formations from the prehistoric period to the early modern period. The book covers a wide range of topics and themes, such as the origins and development of agriculture, civilization, state, class, religion, trade, empire, nation, and capitalism. The book also provides a comparative and global perspective on the various historical societies and civilizations of Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and Oceania. The author of the book is Amar Farooqui, who is a professor of history at Delhi University. He has written several books and articles on various aspects of Indian and world history, such as opium trade, colonialism, nationalism, communalism, and secularism. He has also been involved in various academic and social activities, such as teaching, research, editing, publishing, organizing seminars, workshops, lectures, and campaigns. He is known for his critical and progressive approach to history and social sciences. The main argument and perspective of the book is that history is not a linear or deterministic process, but a dialectical and contingent process. The author argues that history is not determined by any single factor or force, such as geography, environment, technology, economy, culture, or ideology. Rather, history is shaped by the interaction and interplay of multiple factors and forces that are constantly changing and evolving. The author also argues that history is not a homogeneous or static phenomenon, but a heterogeneous and dynamic phenomenon. The author shows that there is no single or universal model or pattern of social formation or transformation. Rather, there are multiple and diverse models and patterns of social formation or transformation that vary according to time, space, context, and circumstance. The book is divided into five chapters: The Prehistoric Period; The Ancient Civilizations; The Classical Societies; The Medieval Period; The Early Modern Period. Each chapter consists of several sections that deal with specific topics and themes related to the respective period. Each section consists of an introduction that provides an overview of the main features and characteristics of the period; a discussion that provides a detailed analysis of the various aspects and dimensions of the period; a conclusion that provides a summary of the main points and arguments of the section; a list of references that provides sources for further reading; a list of questions that provides suggestions for further research and discussion. The book is written in a clear and concise language that is easy to understand and follow. The book uses various examples, illustrations, tables, maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, and pictures to explain and support the points and arguments made in the text. The book also uses various terms, concepts, theories, and methods to analyze and interpret the historical data and evidence. The book also uses various quotations, citations, and footnotes to acknowledge and credit the sources and authors used in the text. The book is intended for students, teachers, scholars, and general readers who are interested in learning and knowing more about the history and social formations of different regions and periods. The book is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in history, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, and other related disciplines. The book is also useful for competitive exams, interviews, projects, assignments, and other academic and professional purposes. ## The Prehistoric Period The prehistoric period is the longest and earliest period of human history. It covers the time from the origin of human beings to the emergence of writing and civilization. The prehistoric period is also known as the Stone Age, because most of the tools and weapons used by the prehistoric people were made of stone. The prehistoric period is divided into three sub-periods: the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age). ### The Paleolithic Period The Paleolithic period lasted from about 2.5 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago. It is the period when human beings evolved from their ape-like ancestors and developed various physical and mental abilities, such as bipedalism, speech, fire, art, and religion. The Paleolithic people were nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups and moved from place to place in search of food and water. They used simple stone tools and weapons, such as hand axes, scrapers, spears, and bows and arrows. They also made cave paintings, sculptures, and ornaments that expressed their artistic and spiritual feelings. ### The Mesolithic Period The Mesolithic period lasted from about 10,000 years ago to about 6,000 years ago. It is the period when human beings adapted to the changing climatic and environmental conditions after the end of the last Ice Age. The Mesolithic people were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in larger groups and settled in more permanent locations near rivers, lakes, and coasts. They used more advanced stone tools and weapons, such as microliths, harpoons, fishhooks, and nets. They also domesticated some animals, such as dogs, goats, sheep, and pigs. They also developed some forms of agriculture, such as slash-and-burn cultivation. ### The Neolithic Period The Neolithic period lasted from about 6,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago. It is the period when human beings made a major transition from hunting and gathering to farming and herding. The Neolithic people were sedentary farmers and herders who lived in villages and towns. They used more sophisticated stone tools and weapons, such as polished axes, hoes, sickles, plows, and pottery. They also domesticated more animals, such as cattle, horses, camels, and elephants. They also cultivated more crops, such as wheat, barley, rice, millet, and maize. They also built more structures, such as houses, granaries, temples, and monuments. The author argues that the prehistoric period is significant for several reasons. First, it is the period when human beings became distinct from other animals and developed their unique and diverse characteristics and capabilities. Second, it is the period when human beings adapted to different and changing environments and regions and spread across the globe. Third, it is the period when human beings created the foundations and conditions for the emergence of civilization and history. ## The Ancient Civilizations The ancient civilizations are the earliest and most remarkable examples of complex and organized societies in human history. They emerged in different regions and periods, but shared some common features and characteristics. The ancient civilizations are also known as the river valley civilizations, because they developed along the banks of major rivers, such as the Nile, the Tigris and Euphrates, the Indus, and the Yellow. The ancient civilizations are divided into four main groups: the Mesopotamian, the Egyptian, the Indus Valley, and the Chinese. ### The Mesopotamian Civilization The Mesopotamian civilization was the first and oldest civilization in human history. It emerged in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq and Syria around 3500 BCE. It lasted for about 3000 years and consisted of several city-states, such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. The Mesopotamian civilization was known for its achievements in writing, law, literature, mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include cuneiform writing, the Code of Hammurabi, the Epic of Gilgamesh, the sexagesimal system, the ziggurat, and the wheel. ### The Egyptian Civilization The Egyptian civilization was one of the longest and most influential civilizations in human history. It emerged along the Nile river in present-day Egypt around 3100 BCE. It lasted for about 3000 years and consisted of several dynasties and periods, such as the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the New Kingdom, and the Ptolemaic period. The Egyptian civilization was known for its achievements in art, religion, medicine, mummification, and engineering. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include hieroglyphic writing, the Book of the Dead, the pyramids, the sphinx, and paper. ### The Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley civilization was one of the largest and most advanced civilizations in human history. It emerged along the Indus river and its tributaries in present-day Pakistan and India around 2500 BCE. It lasted for about 1500 years and consisted of several cities and towns, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, and Dholavira. The Indus Valley civilization was known for its achievements in urban planning, sanitation, trade, and metallurgy. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include a script that has not been deciphered yet, the Great Bath, the dockyard, and standardized weights and measures. ### The Chinese Civilization The Chinese civilization was one of the oldest and most continuous civilizations in human history. It emerged along the Yellow river and its tributaries in present-day China around 2000 BCE. It lasted for about 4000 years and consisted of several dynasties and periods, such as the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing. The Chinese civilization was known for its achievements in philosophy, literature, art, science, and technology. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include oracle bones, the I Ching, the Analects of Confucius, the Tao Te Ching, calligraphy, papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and compass. The author argues that the ancient civilizations are important for several reasons. First, they are the sources of some of the oldest and most valuable records and documents of human history. Second, they are the origins of some of the most influential and enduring ideas and values of human culture. Third, they are the models and examples of some of the most complex and sophisticated forms and structures of human society. ## The Classical Societies The classical societies are the most influential and prominent societies in human history. They emerged in different regions and periods, but shared some common features and characteristics. The classical societies are also known as the axial age societies, because they developed during a period of great intellectual and spiritual awakening and innovation. The classical societies are divided into five main groups: the Greek, the Roman, the Indian, the Chinese, and the Persian. ### The Greek Society The Greek society was one of the most creative and dynamic societies in human history. It emerged in the region around the Aegean Sea in present-day Greece and Turkey around 800 BCE. It lasted for about 1000 years and consisted of several city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. The Greek society was known for its achievements in philosophy, literature, art, science, and politics. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include democracy, tragedy, comedy, epic poetry, history, logic, rhetoric, geometry, and the Olympic Games. ### The Roman Society The Roman society was one of the most powerful and expansive societies in human history. It emerged in the region around the Tiber river in present-day Italy around 700 BCE. It lasted for about 1200 years and consisted of a republic and an empire that covered most of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The Roman society was known for its achievements in law, engineering, architecture, and administration. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include the Twelve Tables, the aqueducts, the roads, the bridges, and the Colosseum. ### The Indian Society The Indian society was one of the most diverse and complex societies in human history. It emerged in the region around the Indus and Ganges rivers in present-day India and Pakistan around 600 BCE. It lasted for about 1500 years and consisted of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Mauryan, the Gupta, the Kushan, and the Harsha. The Indian society was known for its achievements in religion, literature, art, mathematics, and astronomy. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita, zero, decimal system, and algebra. ### The Chinese Society The Chinese society was one of the most stable and continuous societies in human history. It emerged in the region around the Yellow and Yangtze rivers in present-day China around 500 BCE. It lasted for about 2000 years and consisted of several dynasties and periods, such as the Zhou, the Qin, the Han, the Sui, the Tang, the Song, the Yuan, the Ming, and the Qing. The Chinese society was known for its achievements in philosophy, literature, art, science, and technology. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Buddhism, the Analects of Confucius, the Tao Te Ching, poetry, painting, porcelain, papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and compass. ### The Persian Society The Persian society was one of the most tolerant and cosmopolitan societies in human history. It emerged in the region around the Zagros mountains in present-day Iran around 550 BCE. It lasted for about 700 years and consisted of several empires that covered most of West Asia, Central Asia, and parts of Europe and Africa. The Persian society was known for its achievements in religion, law, administration, and culture. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include Zoroastrianism, Mithraism, Manichaeism, the Avesta, the Cyrus Cylinder, the Royal Road, the postal system, and Persian carpets. The author argues that the classical societies are important for several reasons. First, they are the sources of some of the most profound and influential ideas and values of human culture. Second, they are the origins of some of the most complex and sophisticated forms and structures of human society. Third, they are the models and examples of some of the most creative and dynamic achievements and innovations of human civilization. ## The Medieval Period The medieval period is the middle and transitional period of human history. It covers the time from the decline and fall of the classical societies to the rise and expansion of the early modern societies. The medieval period is also known as the Middle Ages, because it is often seen as a dark and backward period between two bright and progressive periods. The medieval period is divided into three sub-periods: the Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages, and the Late Middle Ages. ### The Early Middle Ages The Early Middle Ages lasted from about 500 CE to about 1000 CE. It is the period when the classical societies collapsed and new societies emerged in different regions. The Early Middle Ages consisted of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic Caliphate, the Frankish Kingdom, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms, the Viking Kingdoms, and the Slavic Kingdoms. The Early Middle Ages was known for its achievements in religion, law, art, and literature. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, the Justinian Code, the Quran, the Hagia Sophia, the Romanesque art, and the Beowulf. ### The High Middle Ages The High Middle Ages lasted from about 1000 CE to about 1300 CE. It is the period when the new societies developed and flourished in different regions. The High Middle Ages consisted of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Holy Roman Empire, the Mongol Empire, the Norman Kingdoms, the Crusader States, the Papal States, and the Islamic Sultanates. The High Middle Ages was known for its achievements in trade, education, science, and technology. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include feudalism, manorialism, the Hanseatic League, the Silk Road, the universities, the scholasticism, the Gothic art, and the Magna Carta. ### The Late Middle Ages The Late Middle Ages lasted from about 1300 CE to about 1500 CE. It is the period when the new societies faced and overcame various challenges and crises in different regions. The Late Middle Ages consisted of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Ottoman Empire, the Ming Dynasty, the Timurid Empire, the Hundred Years' War, the Reconquista, and the Renaissance. The Late Middle Ages was known for its achievements in exploration, reformation, literature, and art. Some of its famous inventions and innovations include gunpowder weapons, the compass, the printing press, the voyages of discovery, the Protestant Reformation, the Divine Comedy, and the Mona Lisa. The author argues that the m