Kalmyk-Kazakh Relations during the 1771 Russia-to-China Migration of Kalmyks

Introduction. The history of eighteenth-century Kalmyk-Kazakh relations needs further detailed insights with the aid of newly discovered (and to be discovered) archival files. The turbulent interethnic contacts were integral to political challenges that were to be faced and solved by the Russian government. Goals. The article analyzes some newly discovered (introduced) archival material and attempts a comprehensive account of Kalmyk-Kazakh relations during the Dusty Migration of 1771. Materials. The work focuses on available files stored at the National Archive of Kalmykia, Historical Archive of Omsk Oblast, and messages contained in published document collections. Results. The study provides a quite detailed chronology of events characterizing Kalmyk-Kazakh relations throughout the mentioned campaign, which shall definitely prove instrumental in conducting further academic insights into the issue. Conclusions. The fact Kalmyks had raided livestock of the Junior Jüz Kazakhs in early 1770 did complicate Kalmyk-Kazakh relations on the eve of the Kalmyk Exodus. Khan Nuraly of the Junior Jüz was warning Russian authorities of the Kalmyks’ preparatory activities but his messages were never given serious attention to. Ubashi’s attempts to negotiate with Khan Nuraly ended in a failure since the latter was upholding a pro-Russian position and insisted that the Kalmyks should be immediately driven back into government-controlled lands. However, separate negotiations between Ablai and Ubashi proved more successful, and resulted in that Kalmyks did break through the Kazakh blockade towards China’s borders. The event aggravated the then split within Kazakh political elites, and the latter were never able to well and truly join efforts after the Dusty Migration.

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