Oriental Studies (Dec 2020)
Kalmykia – Mongolia Cooperation: 1920s
Abstract
Introduction. The issue of Kalmykia-Mongolia cooperation in the 1920s still remains understudied both in Kalmyk and Mongolian historiography. Ever since the Kalmyks migrated to Russia-controlled territories, relations with Mongolia became irregular enough and were largely reduced to pilgrimage contacts en route to Tibet. But the 1920s witnessed an intensification therein. The period proved extremely harsh and definitely dramatic to both the nations: Kalmyk Steppe became an operational theater of the Russian Civil War, and Outer Mongolia sank into the ‘pot’ of social transformations and struggle for independence. And it is in those tough times that Kalmyks arrived in Mongolia as military instructors to arrange the formation and training of troop units for the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army. On the other hand, Mongolia delivered humanitarian aid to Kalmykia during the famine. Moreover, the Mongolian Government initiated a resettlement of starving Kalmyks to the country, with significant allowances to be funded. The military and humanitarian aspects have been examined by a number of Kalmyk and Mongolian researchers. Goals. The paper aims to provide additional data on the mentioned and other realms of cooperation during the period under consideration. Materials. The study analyzes new sources, archival materials, and scholarly works, including documents stored at the Central Archive of Russia’s Federal Security Service and ones introduced in Russia-Mongolia Military Cooperation. Results. The attachment of Kalmyks officers to Mongolian military units attests to that the Soviet Government recognized the exnomads should aptly adapt themselves to familiar conditions and cultural environment. Their primary objective was to help commanders of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army create efficient military forces. And Mongolia did its best to support Kalmykia during the famine of 1921. In January of 1923, the Government of Mongolia initiated a resettlement of starving Kalmyks. Chronicles of relations show the key landmarks for the Soviet Government therein were ethnogenetic ties between the populations, linguistic and cultural affinities. Religious identity also proved an important unifying element.
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