Surmounting Political Crisis in Kalmyk Khanate: Background and Arrangement of Nitar-Dorji’s Assassination in 1725

Abstract

Introduction. The article deals with the 1725 assassination of Nitar-Dorji, a significant political event in the Kalmyk Khanate’s history that so far has not been investigated in detail. The article aims at introducing new archival material devoted to the period of Kalmyk Khan Tseren-Donduk’ rule (1724–1735). The database of the research is formed of the material kept in the National Archive of the Republic of Kalmykia, fonds I-36. In particular, ”Zhurnal po kalmytskim delam” (A Journal of Kalmyk Affairs) includes reports and messages of A. P. Volynsky, the Astrakhan governor, under the title ”Quarrels and Feuds that took place between Kalmyk owners”. Results. Nitar-Dorji’s anti-Russian actions, such as beating of the translator V. Bakunin, threats to assassinate Volynsly, his plans to escape to Kuban, etc. were the reasons that provoked his murder. Conclusion. Its organization involved participants at every level, while the act itself was seen as the least harmful method of solving the political crisis in the Kalmyk Khanate. Nitar-Dorji’s assassination was initiated by the Kalmyk side, while the Astrakhan governor was not wholly against his arrest. Dosang advocated the ”neutralization” of his rebellious younger brother, because the taishi himself was seeking to repair his relations with the Russian government and with Tseren-Donduk’s party who insisted on using military power to solve the conflict between the Kalmyk taishi.