Punitive Raids and the Economic Strangulation of the Nokhchi (1691–1700)
At the end of the 17th century, the Tsardom of Muscovy exerted continuous military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on the societies of the Nokhchi. In response to the alliance of the Indigenous population with Russian Old Believer Cossacks, the regular army conducted armed operations: the historian Ya. Z. Akhmadov states that in 1691–1700 «punitive expeditions were carried out in retaliation by the tsarist authorities against the rebel Cossacks and their mountaineer allies»[1] and records «retaliatory punitive raids by tsarist forces»[1]. In parallel, the diplomatic apparatus expanded legal control over the region, formalizing in 1696 «an expression of Russia's protection over the Braguny principality in Chechnya»[1]. Military methods were supplemented by official fiscal pressure: the historian Sh. B. Akhmadov emphasizes that «the Okochans (Akkin Chechens) living in the town of Terki were obligated without exception to pay duties on the various goods and wares they took out for sale to their compatriots in Chechnya and Ingushetia»[2]. The economic strangulation was aggravated by the arbitrariness of the local occupation administration: he adds that «the venality and bribe-taking of the voivodes, who permitted themselves great abuses — all this was a phenomenon far from new»[2].
Actors
| ID | Name | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| G0008 | Tsardom of Muscovy | 4 |
Instruments Applied
| ID | Name | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| S0012 | Occupation and Controlled Administrations | 2 |
| S0009 | Diplomacy | 1 |
| S0010 | Regular Army | 1 |
Procedures Carried Out
The regular army of the Tsardom of Muscovy carried out armed raids on the territories of Nokhchi societies: the historian Ya. Z. Akhmadov states that in 1691–1700 «punitive expeditions were carried out by the tsarist authorities in retaliation against the rebel Cossacks and their Highlander allies»[1] and records «retaliatory punitive raids by tsarist forces»[1].
The diplomatic apparatus of the Tsardom of Muscovy expanded the legal subordination of Nokhchi territories: the historian Ya. Z. Akhmadov records that in 1696 the metropole formalized «the expression of Russia's protection over the Braguny principality in Chechnya»[1].
The occupation administration of the Tsardom of Muscovy imposed discriminatory levies on Nokhchi societies for the internal movement of goods: the historian Sh. B. Akhmadov emphasizes that «the Okochans (Akkin Chechens) living in the town of Terki were obliged without exception to pay duty on the various goods and wares they took out for sale to their compatriots in Chechnya and Ingushetia»[2].
The occupation administration of the Tsardom of Muscovy engaged in systemic lawless arbitrariness against the Indigenous population: the historian Sh. B. Akhmadov states that «the venality and bribe-taking of the voivodes, who permitted themselves great abuses — all this was far from a new phenomenon»[2].