Kalmyk Nobility in the Early Twentieth Century: Noyon Tseren-David Ts. Tundutov

Abstract

Introduction. The article focuses on the figure of Noyon (Prince) Tseren-David Tundutov, a most renowned Kalmyk nobleman whose multifaceted efforts were derived from the dramatic social upheavals and disturbances of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The topic still remains understudied since earlier works contained only insufficient data which made it virtually impossible to describe his personality in greater detail. Furthermore, the bulk of the former were published in the Soviet era, and the evaluations of Kalmyk noblemen’s endeavors are definitely to be revised. Goals. So, the paper aims to — wherever possible — extensively outline sociopolitical, economic, and household aspects of Noyon Ts.-D. Tundutov’s life. Materials and methods. The study basically employs both general scientific and special historical methods, with particular roles to be played by that of systems analysis and the principle of historicism that have proved instrumental in examining Noyon Ts.-D. Tundutov’s deeds contextually. The principle of objectivity has been secured by specially selected and compared sources of diverse origin, including some newly introduced material pertaining to records management. Results. Noyon Ts.-D. Tundutov was taking a most active part in solving social and political issues that arose from facts of the early twentieth-century Kalmyk life, namely: land and nationality questions, religious problems, economic affairs, and his endeavors as a deputy of the Imperial Duma. Special attention should be paid to the complete data on the Noyon’s real and personal property uniquely published herein. Conclusions. Despite the 1892 Reform had virtually deprived him of any subject commoners he succeeded in gaining opportunities for a successful development of his gardens and farms reported to have became diversified enough. In social and political life, he did achieve a status of somewhat ethnos-wide leader capable of demonstrating personal qualities required by the community in the early twentieth century.

Keywords

• astrakhan governorate
• kalmyk steppe
• uluses
• noyons
• zaisangs
• imperial duma
• religious policy
• buddhism
• land question
• economy