The Military Actions of the Kalmyk Cavalry on the Crimean Khanate Territory in 1675

Abstract

 Introduction. The article examines the circumstances of the participation of the Kalmyk cavalry in the Crimean campaign of 1675. The purpose of the study is to introduce new sources on the history of military affairs of the Kalmyks in the scientific circulation, as well as on the history of the Russian-Kalmyk relations of the 17th century, namely, the participation of the Kalmyk cavalry in the Crimean campaign of Kaspulat Mutzalovich Cherkassky in 1675. The main material for this research was the materials of the Collection 115 (“The Kabardian Affairs”) in the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts. Results. The article consistently shows the mobilization processes of the Russian-Kalmyk army, published eyewitness' information about the fighting of the Kalmyk cavalry on the Crimean Khanate territory in September 1675. Conclusions. The Crimean campaign of Kaspulat Cherkassky in 1675 did not radically change the situation in the confrontation between Moscow and the Crimea, but made the great military and political effect, since this was the first time when “sovereign military men” with the support of Kalmyks and Zaporozhye Cossacks reached the Crimean peninsula and inflicted tangible material and human damage on the enemy. Kalmyks and Zaporozhian Cossacks with marching artillery were the main striking force of the combined army; the Crimean Khanate was vulnerable to attacks by mobile well-armed cavalry. But the unsuccessful mobilization of the Russian army, the absence of mass light cavalry in the Russian army did not allow organizing a full-fledged military campaign on the Crimea territory.