Certain aspects of functionality of Baskachestvo in Rus’: a historiographical overview

Abstract

From the perspective of historiography, the question of functionality of the institution of Baskachestvo in Rus’ is an integral part of the major problem of relations between Rus’ and the Golden Horde. This article is dedicated to determination and interpretation of the views of Russian scholars upon the following aspects of functionality of the Organization of Baskaks in Rus’: functions and duties; life span; factors of establishment and abolishment; its location. The object of this research is the scientific works of prerevolutionary, Soviet and contemporary Russian scholars. The writings are presented in chronological order of their creation, and grouped by the topic. As a result of this research, the author invented the fullest list of scientific works dedicated to peculiarities of functionality of the Institution of Baskachestvo in Rus’. The snalysis of scientific literature on Mongolian problematic revealed various opinions of the scholars on the key aspects of functionality of the Organization of Baskaks in Rus’. Various duties are assigned to Baskaks, the main of which is the collection of tribute. The scholars are unanimous with regards to the leading role of the Institution of Baskachestvo. Majority of researchers nominate Baskaks as the viceroys of the Mongolian khans. The emergence of the Organization of Baskaks in Rus’ is usually associated with the conduct of census in Rus’. The reason for the liquidation of the Institution of Baskaks is considered the transition in of the function of collecting the Horde tribute from Mongolian officials to the Rus’ princes in the XIV century. In the Soviet historical science, wide recognition gained the idea of A. N. Nasonov on the Baskaks as the leaders of the Mongolian military units. The contemporary researchers express different points of view.