The Mordvinian head in system of local authorities of the 17th century

The article discusses the administration of Mordovian population and the position of the head of Mordvinians. The author defines the functions and place of the Head in the system of local authorities of the Russian state in the 17 th century. Numerous archival materials have been studied to show this position as an important social tool; national specifics of administration of the Mordovian population are considered.