Kalmyks of Astrakhan Governorate: a Geography of Nomadic Migrations according to the Kuma-Manych Expedition’s Materials

Abstract

The article publishes an excerpt from the Kalmyk Steppe of Astrakhan Governorate: Studies by the Kuma-Manych Expedition. It was written in the immediate aftermath and on the basis of materials obtained during the comprehensive research expedition to Kalmyk Steppe which ended in 1862, and is a valuable source on the history of Kalmykia in the mid-to-late 19th century. The book describes the geographical location of Kalmyk Steppe, its administrative and territorial structure, natural resources, economy and everyday life of the population, roads and routes of migrations; it also contains information on Kalmyk history and ethnography, provides recommendations for optimization of regional resources management. The published text gives an overview of the geography and times of migrations which were the most important element to the livestock breeding system of the Kalmyks.