What were the key elements of the spiritual culture of the Kalmyk people in the 19th - early 20th centuries?

Spiritual Culture of the Kalmyk People (19th - early 20th centuries)

The spiritual culture of the Kalmyk people during this period faced significant challenges due to historical events, such as the migration to Dzungaria in 1771, which led to the loss of many traditional knowledge keepers, artisans, and cultural artifacts.

• Preservation and Development: Despite hardships, efforts were made to preserve and develop Kalmyk culture. This included the publication of primers, dictionaries, textbooks, and scholarly works on the Kalmyk language, ethnography, folklore, and history by notable scholars like Yu. Litkin, V.L. Kotvich, V.M. Bakunin, and B.Ya. Vladimirtsov.
• Education: The mid-19th century saw the beginnings of organized education for Kalmyk children. The establishment of secular schools, including a two-class school in 1849, and a feldsher department in 1862 marked significant steps. By 1854, five literacy schools were opened in various uluses, teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, and Kalmyk language skills.
• Literature: The development of Kalmyk literature was spurred by the publication of original works. The existence of a written Kalmyk script facilitated this process. Early literary works included epic poems like "Dzhangar" and historical narratives.
• Oral Traditions: Oral traditions, including tales and legends, continued to be an important part of Kalmyk culture, with storytellers passing down rich folklore.

Summary: The spiritual culture of the Kalmyks in the 19th and early 20th centuries was characterized by resilience, efforts in education and language preservation, and the continuation of rich oral traditions, despite historical adversities.