DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE ECONOMY OF THE KHIVA KHANATE DURING THE KUNGRAD PERIOD

Аннотация

The Khiva Khanate, a significant political and economic entity in Central Asia from the 16th to the 20th century, played a crucial role in regional trade, agriculture, and handicraft production. The economic structure of the Khiva Khanate was shaped by its geographical location, natural resources, socio- political organization, and external trade relations. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, irrigation systems, caravan trade, and local handicrafts, with landownership patterns and taxation systems deeply influencing economic stability. This thesis examines the distinctive features of the economy of the Khiva Khanate during the Kungrad period, focusing on agriculture, trade, taxation, handicrafts, and external economic relations. It also explores the impact of internal administrative policies and foreign trade on economic development. Kеywоrds: Khiva Khanate, economy, agriculture, irrigation, trade, taxation, handicrafts, caravan routes, feudal system, economic policies. Intrоduсtiоn The Khiva Khanate, one of the three major khanates of Central Asia, was founded in the early 16th century and remained a center of economic, political, and cultural influence until its annexation by the Russian Empire in 1873. Due to its strategic location along the Silk Road and Trans-Caspian trade routes, the khanate became an important trade hub connecting the East and the West. The economy of the Khiva Khanate was diverse and included agriculture, trade, handicraft production, and taxation policies. The economic landscape was influenced by climatic conditions, irrigation-based agriculture, taxation systems, and interactions with neighboring regions. Despite periods of economic prosperity, the economic structure remained semi-feudal, with land concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite. This study aims to analyze the economic features of the Khiva Khanate during its most active period, focusing on its main economic sectors, trade relations, and the role of administrative policies in shaping its economy. Mаtеriаls аnd mеthоds The study is based on historical analysis, economic assessments, and comparative studies. The following methods were employed: 73 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference Historical and archival research – Examining primary sources, including trade records, taxation documents, and reports from travelers such as Arminius Vámbéry and Nikolay Muravyov. Comparative analysis – Evaluating the Khiva Khanate’s economy in relation to other Central Asian khanates such as Bukhara and Kokand. Economic assessment – Analyzing data on agriculture, trade, and taxation policies to determine their role in economic stability. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape of the Khiva Khanate. Rеsults аnd disсussiоn The Khiva Khanate’s economy heavily depended on agriculture, as most of its population engaged in farming, cattle breeding, and horticulture. However, due to the arid climate and desert landscape, large-scale agriculture was only possible through a well-developed irrigation system. Major Crops Significance Irrigation Requirements Wheat, Barley Staple food production Extensive irrigation from the Amu Darya River Cotton Export commodity High water consumption Fruits (Melons, Domestic consumption Limited irrigation required Grapes) and trade Rice Trade and local food Intensive irrigation supply The Amu Darya River played a key role in irrigation, with an extensive network of canals (aryks), reservoirs, and dams built to control water flow. However, water management was a major economic challenge, and irrigation rights were controlled by the ruling elite, who imposed taxes on water usage. The Khiva Khanate was a major trade center connecting Persia, Russia, India, and China. Trade was conducted through caravan routes, and Khiva City became a key hub for merchants. Trade Routes Connected Regions Main Goods Traded Silk Road Central Asia – Persia Silk, textiles, horses, – China ceramics Trans- Khiva – Russia – Cotton, leather, carpets, Caspian Route Europe dried fruits Indian Route India – Afghanistan – Spices, dyes, precious Khiva stones 74 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference Trade was controlled by the khan and the merchant elite, who imposed customs duties (tamga) on imported and exported goods. Russian traders had a significant influence, and by the 19th century, the Khiva-Russian trade expanded, leading to economic dependence on Russian markets. The Khiva Khanate operated under a feudal economic structure, with land controlled by the khan, military elite, and religious leaders (ulama). Taxation was a crucial source of revenue and was collected in different forms: Type of Description Who Paid It? Tax Kharaj Land tax (based on harvest Peasants (dehkans) size) Zakot Islamic tax (on trade and Merchants and livestock) landowners Tamga Customs duty on goods Traders and foreign