State regulation of the salt industry on the astrakhan salt lakes in the first half of the 19th century

Introduction. Based on the materials of the State Archive of the Astrakhan region, which were first introduced into scientific circulation, the issues of salt extraction by the Kalmyks and its transportation by state peasants and Tatars on the Astrakhan salt lakes in the first half of the 19th century are highlighted. Methods and materials. The research is based on both published and unpublished sources. Analysis. The role of the state in organizing the selection of salt lakes, determining the amount of salt extracted and its transportation, hiring labor, remuneration, catering, and supply issues is analyzed. It was revealed that in the Astrakhan province, in addition to state-owned salt extraction, work was carried out on lakes owned by private salt producers, with the mandatory conclusion of a contract with the Astrakhan Salt Board and their payment of excise duty. Attention is focused on the rules developed by the Astrakhan Commission of Kalmyk Affairs for Kalmyks who were employed in government and private jobs.