Genetic diversity in maternal lines of cognate Mongolian horses of Mongolia, China and Russia

Analysis of D-loop of mitochondrial DNA of 4 populations of Mongolian horses from different origin was conducted. Nowadays Mongolian horses massive is divided to several countries. Among them there are Mongolia, Inner Mongolia part of China, and Kalmyk Republic of Russia. D-loop of mitochondrial DNA gives an inside into the maternal lines of population of horses. I was stated, that maternal lines of 4 populations from different territories have their similarities, as well as differences. More investigations are in need to understand, if similarities can be explained by the same origin of the populations, or due to other horse breeds, involved into the breed’s genesis.

On the View of Kalmyk Khan to the Activites of Russia in the Volga-Caspian Frontier: From the Letters of Donduk-Dashi to V. Tatishchеv, 1741–1745

Introduction. The article based on Michael Adas’s analytical category “avoidance protest” presented by Paul W. Werth examines the view of the Kalmyk khan on the activities of the Russians to strengthen positions on the Volga-Caspian frontier, when V. Tatishchev was the head of the Kalmyk Commission and Astrakhan Governor, between 1741 and 1745. Methods and materials. Whereas previous studies considered only the Russian view on the politics toward the region and determined the attitudes of nomadic elites in terms of absolute compliance or violent opposition. However, in practice the relations between Russian authorities and indigenous people’s elite were much more complex.Using as primary sources the letters of Donduk-Dashi to V. Tatishchеv of the period between 1741 and 1745 from the National Archive of the Kalmyk Republic published by prof. D. Suseeva gives us an opportunity to examine the situation from below. Analysis and Results. We argue that although Donduk-Dashi was quite embedded within the Russian system, we cannot claim about his unconditional subordination. First, speculating on general Tarakanov’s misstep, Donduk-Dashi evaded investigations regarding the plans to relocate to the protectionof Persian shah. The second argument was built around his alleged unawareness about theposition of Russian authorities regarding the Kazakh-Kalmyk relations and entreaties to provide with guns as an attempt to divert attention away from current problems on the relations with the Kazakhs. The formal notification of the forthcoming marriage of the Kalmyk nobleman with Kazakh princess and about non-sanctioned contacts with Kazakh Middle zhuz khan demonstrates that nomad’s relations went beyond the line prescribed by the government.

Young Generation of Kalmykia: Social Well-Being and Economic Stability (Based on Results of Survey-2019)

The article is devoted to the study of the youth, an important active social group. It represents a quarter of the population and manifests itself in all spheres of life of the republic. One of the factors that encourage the sociological diagnostics of the state of the youth is the emergence of new social and economic threats, development of crisis phenomena in regions with complex ethnic and religious composition, which includes the Kalmyk Republic. Young people tend to participate in processes that are risky and destructive. The article analyzes the individual results of a sociological study conducted in 2019 within the framework of a grant from B. B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (N.L. Kurepin). The study allowed us determining not only the problematic aspects of this age group (economic instability, social inequality, etc.), but also the positive aspects that allow us identifying its productive opportunities for updating social relations and economic processes in the region. Our analysis shows that the Republic of Kalmykia is economically protected, as its economy is able to ensure the stability of the economic situation of an individual, provide opportunities for social and economic stability of the regional community, and guarantee protection from various types of threats and losses. The obtained data allows us to state that, despite the unresolved social problems (business, leisure during vacations, holidays, environmental situation in the region, opportunity to express political views), the life of the young population of the republic is stable and sustainable. The majority of the study group has confidence and a positive attitude towards the future, which depends on both their psychological and emotional state and the economic situation in the Kalmyk Republic.

THE QUALITY OF RENDERING OF MEDICAL AID TO POPULATION OF RURAL AREAS

The analysis of the quality of medical care for the rural population has been taken in the «Ustinskaya Regional Hospital» of the Kalmyk Republic (further on referenced as «URH»). Analysis goal. To investigate the basic principles of medical care for the rural population and determine the major open issues regarding healthcare, considering URH as an example. Assessment methods. Two examination phases have been conducted: 1. Assessment of disease structure, equipment level, and overall work efficiency of URH 2. Analysis of the voluntary patient survey The investigation covered 653 respondents of both genders, aged between 20 and 70 with an average of 47,5 years [23,2; 68,1] Results - the principles of medical care at Ustinsky Region of Kalmyk Republic has been considered as satisfactory. The whole population of the Ustinsky Region makes 9958 people (including 8178 adults and 1780 kids). The population is divided into 3 therapeutic and 2 pediatric departments, according to the actual standards. From the nosology perspective, regional clinical examination covers 95.3% of the respiratory system diseases and 91% of cardiovascular system pathologies. In 2016 more than 95% of the survey respondents mentioned positive changes in the treatment level of URH. Own health level was considered as “good” by 96% of respondents. About 16% of patients were listed in the dispensary, but only 75% of them were screened annually. The complications with receiving preferential medicines were experienced by 46% of patients. The commute to the regional hospital takes 30 minutes for 58% of respondents, and over 60 minutes for 18% of them. Medical staff, conducting prophylactic measures has been spotted by 49% of respondents. Discussion. Dispensary observation has been properly focused on prophylaxis only in 2016. Conclusions. The overall level of medical care for the rural population of the assessed regional center has been considered as satisfactory.

Prayers of Resistance

Throughout decades of Soviet repression of religion and into modern times, groups of Buddhist women known as babushki matsik, or “group of old women precept holders” have covertly engaged in Buddhist practices in Kalmykia, following the Tibetan tantric tradition. Located to the northwest of the Caspian Sea, the Kalmyk Republic of the Russian Federation is the only region of Europe with a predominantly Buddhist population. For centuries, the region has been the site of repeated migrations, shifting political and military alliances, and Russian Orthodox conversion efforts. The devastating period of forced relocation and exile in Siberia between 1943 and 1957 cost the lives of nearly half the Kalmyk population. During that period, devoted groups of religious women secretly continued their Buddhist practices and played a key role in perpetuating Kalmyk Buddhist traditions and rituals. Their contributions to lay Buddhist society and to preserving the Kalmyk heritage continue to the present day and, while overshadowed by male-dominated Buddhist institutions, are increasingly recognized.