Ayuka Khan

Ayuka Khan (1669–1724) was a Kalmyk leader under whose rule the Kalmyk Khanate reached its zenith in terms of economic, military, and politic power. On behalf of Russia, Ayuka Khan protected the southern borders of Russia, engaging in many military expeditions against the Muslim tribes of Central Asia, the North Caucasus and Crimea.

Kalmyk troops invaded Bashkirs with Kazan and Orenburg Bashkir Uprising (1681-1684) .) Then the Russian government sent to negotiate for Ayuke Prince Golitsyn Alexei Ivanovich. These negotiations failed to stop the Russian attacks Kalmyks and keep Ayuku of friendly relations with the Porte, the Crimea and Persia.

Russian authorities in an effort to strengthen its influence in the Lower Volga, supported Ayuku and used his troops during the suppression of the Astrakhan ( one thousand seven hundred and five - 1706 ) and Bulavin ( in 1707 - in 1709 ) uprisings, as well as in the Great Northern War ( 1700 - 1721 ).

Ayuka, restoring peaceful relations with the Russian kingdom, turned his attention to the east. Ayuka undertook military campaign against the Kazakh and Turkmen, making them their tributaries. Part Mangyshlak Turkmens were displaced Ayukoy the Volga, to the same period include his successful war with Dagestanis, Kumyks, Kabardians and Kuban. In 1690, the Dalai Lama bestowed Kalmyk taisha Ayuke Khan's title with a seal.

In 1707 Ayuka refused to give his troops the Russian government in repelling the attack Chechen Kumyks and Nogai. During the new Bashkir rebellion l Ayuka burned more than a hundred villages in the Penza and Tambov provinces, capturing a lot of Russian people, who were then sold into slavery in Persia and Central Asia.