The situation of Kalmyks in the fishing industries of the Lower Volga region in the 18th century

Annotation

The article is devoted to the study of some cases from the life of the Kalmyk people at the turn of the 18th century, when socio-economic upheavals and the colonial policy of the Russian Empire forced thousands of Kalmyks to seek employment in the fishing industry of the Lower Volga region. The author analyzes how participation in fishing camps became for the Kalmyks an opportunity for temporary exemption from feudal duties, but at the same time becoming economically dependent on the owners of the camps. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to study the strategies of adaptation and interaction of Kalmyks with the emerging economic system of the Russian Empire during the key period of integration. The purpose of the study is to analyze the position of Kalmyks in the system of fisheries The Lower Volga region of the 18th century, revealing the nature of their economic activity and the degree of administrative control. The research is based on archival materials from the collection of the National Archives of the Republic of Kalmykia. Comparative historical and historical methods were used in the work, which made it possible to trace the evolution of the policy of the authorities and practices of Kalmyk fishing. The article describes the economic and legal conditions of Kalmyks' employment in fisheries, the role of the Russian administration in regulating their work, as well as the consequences for the traditional way of life and the social structure of Kalmyk society. The study showed that in the century, Kalmyks occupied a dual position in the fishing industry of the region, acting both as a dependent labor force for hire in Russian camps, and as independent, albeit limited in rights, miners. The authorities, in an effort to protect the interests of the treasury and tax collectors, consistently regulated and narrowed the possibilities for independent Kalmyk fishing, especially with regard to fishing gear, timing and production sites. At the same time, the State was forced to allow such activities.

Keywords

• Kalmyks
• culture
• fishing gangs
• fishing industries
• fishing nets
• dependence
• administrative restrictions
• state regulation
• resource management
• Lower Volga region
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References

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