The role of Amanatstvo in political contacts of Kumyk feudal heads with Russia during the 18th century (by Kizlyar commandant archive materials)

The article based on the analysis of Kizlyar Commandant archive materials discusses the place and importance of Amanatstvo in the relationship of Kumyk feudal lords with Russia in the 18th century. In the period under review Amanatstvo was very common both in the political life of the peoples of Dagestan and in the relationship of Kumyk feudal lords with the Russian Empire. The institution of Amanatstvo has its roots in ancient times; in the investigated period it was widespread in many countries of the East as well as in the Caucasus. The term "Amanat" is of Arabic origin and means hostage or pledge issued by the defeated party in order to make peace with its enemy. There is no doubt that Amanatstvo played an important role in the political orientation of Kumyk feudal lords towards Russia. In the hands of the Caucasian rulers Amanatstvo was a reliable means of political coercion and subjugation of the mountain rulers to the foreign policy that was carried out up to the conquest of the Caucasus. It was a time-tested tool to regulate the political turmoil and to get the oath of allegiance to the king from Kumyk princes. Throughout the 18th century Kumyk feudal lords, leading a fierce infighting, sought support from the royal court counting to win over each other with the help of the Russian troops. For this, they expressed their willingness to serve Russia faithfully; they supported by oaths and issued their sons, brothers or nephews as hostages. The tsarist autocracy interested in consolidating their position and stability in the Caucasus region was well aware of the role the hostage could play in this process and drew maximal benefits from this situation. With the entry of Kumyk fiefdoms to Russian citizenship, Amanatstvo turned into a system that was used as a reliable guarantor of loyalty of Kumyk princes to the Imperial throne. With the founding of the fortress of Kizlyar in 1735, all hostages were transferred here. A special court was built here, where relatives of the North Caucasian rulers lived.

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