«Прежде по Вашей милости я жил спокойно. Как быть? Рассудите, Ваше Светлейшество». Начало внутриполитического кризиса в Калмыцком ханстве в 1723 г.

Introduction. The article publishes one of the last letters submitted by Khan Ayuka Kalmyks to Russian Emperor Peter Great. Goals. work aims at introducing newly discovered correspondence dealing with Russian-Kalmyk relations in first quarter 18th century. Materials. document analyzed is contained Collection 119 (‘Kalmyk Affairs’) Imperial Russia’s Foreign Policy Archive that houses quite a number written sources Kalmyk history. never-published letter from mentioned archive be made available public. Results. paper provides brief historical review events described Ayuka’s letter. most precious sheds light on multiple circumstances have preceded outburst internal conflict 1723. Conclusions. examined 1724 an invaluable source history Khanate shall essentially add further understanding 18th-century relations. So, text clarifies stance emerging crisis. Having been those who wrecked negotiation process between Chakdorjab’s sons, turns for assistance his domestic not only significantly weakened positions as but also resulted external threats large.