“Poselitel” Yakov Zhidkov and His Malorussian Slobodas: An Event from the History of Governmental Colonization of the Lower Volga Region in the 1720s

Abstract

Introduction. The article is a special study of the history of the Malorussian settlements founded by Yakov Zhidkov. After the completion of the Tsaritsyn line, Peter the Great allowed him to settle the lands between the Volga and Ilovlya rivers with Malorussians (Cherkasy). Methods and materials. This topic was mainly touched upon in the works of Saratov and Volgograd historians and local historians. The author of the article introduces into scientific circulation the office materials of the Census Offices of the First Audit, the Supreme Privy Council, the Governing Senate and the Astrakhan Provincial Chancellery. Analysis. It has been established that the Malorussian settlements inhabited by Zhidkov in 1722, contrary to all regulations, very quickly began to be replenished by runaway Velikоrussian peasants, which caused discontent among the landlords. As a result, Peter the Great’s successors were forced to abandon this practice. In the end of 1728 – beginning of 1729, all the settlements were destroyed, the fugitive Velikоrussian peasants were returned to their owners, and Malorussian were sent home. Results. The government colonization of the lands beyond the Tsaritsyn line by resettling the Malorussians there quickly turned into a popular colonization, which the St. Petersburg authorities had to stop. In the same year, outposts of the Cossacks of the Malorussian Sloboda regiments were temporarily placed to protect empty territories along the Volga. A few years later, the territories between the Volga and Ilovlya were settled by Cossacks transferred by the government from the Don and their families, who formed a new Volga Cossack army. The duties of the voist included the capture of robbers, fugitive peasants and soldiers, as well as countering the “thievish” raids of nomads.