Astrakhan and Indians

India during the 18th century was a complex landscape of rising and declining powers, divided among the Mughals, Marathas, Sikhs, and the Europeans. As the subcontinent saw an expansion of European trade factories, commercial activities extended beyond India's borders. While it may seem that only the Europeans controlled the establishment of trade centers, a small fraction of Indian merchants also set up bases far from home, including on the Caspian Sea coast in the Russian town of Astrakhan.

Astrakhan, a major trading hub on the northern side of the Caspian Sea, was once part of the Kalmyk Khanate—a remnant tracing its lineage back to the Great Mongol Empire. It flourished, in part, due to Indian merchants. However, unlike the European East India Companies, which established formal trade factories, Indian merchants in Astrakhan were welcomed as traders alongside other ethnic groups such as Iranians and Armenians. Central Asia and Iran, then a mosaic of Khanates, were on the brink of being overwhelmed by Russian territorial expansion. However, for the time being, they remained independent, providing opportunities for merchants to thrive, amass wealth, and, in turn, contribute to the prosperity of local rulers. In this chapter of Indian history, the Persian Shahs played a crucial role.

The earliest arrival of Indians in Astrakhan dates back to the 1640s, originating from Persia. Under the rule of Shah Soltan Mohammad Mirza, Indian merchants in Persia endured a tumultuous period of oppression at the hands of Persian authorities. Initially, the Kalmyks were hostile to the Russians but eventually became their allies, assisting them in battles against the Turks, Turkmens, and Tatars. Consequently, when it came to protecting Indian merchants, the Russians offered overwhelming support, helping them trade in various settlements beyond the Ural Mountains. Astrakhan, being a key seaport, became a welcoming entry point for Indians, who later traveled to other parts of Russia, setting up businesses while assimilating into Russian customs and traditions. Names such as Sutur, Lahori Baniya, Malchand, Haji Mulla, and Ram Chand became well-known in cities like Astrakhan, Moscow, Terek, Saratov, Arzamas, Suzdal, and Yaroslavl.

The route from Persia to Astrakhan typically involved traveling across the Caspian Sea—then known by various names such as Darya-ye Mazandaran, Darya-ye Gilan, or Bahr-el-Khazar in Persian and Arabic. Asan Bek, a Persian envoy, played a key role in introducing Indians to the lands north of the Caucasus (Qafqaz) in 1641, the same period when the Taj Mahal was under construction in Mughal Agra under Emperor Shah Jahan. Interestingly, Indians never traded alone; they often partnered with Caucasian agents to engage in commerce with Russians, Tatars, and Armenians. This, in essence, was the foundation of Indian trade in the Caucasus and Russian cities. Yet, like any chapter in history, this one also had its share of intrigue and drama.

In the world of trade and commerce, few things are as fascinating as the stories of merchants who dared to break laws, challenge norms, and still find ways to succeed. The 17th century was a different world—one with laws that seem strange and even unreasonable by today's standards. One such law was enforced by Tsar Michael I (1613–1645), who declared smoking and snuffing a moral sin. As a result, the import and export of tobacco were banned under Eastern Orthodox principles, which viewed smoking as a violation of religious morality. Any experimentation with tobacco was illegal, with punishments ranging from whipping to the death penalty.

Sutur, an Indian merchant, boldly defied this sacred law and, sometime in the 1640s, was arrested for trading tobacco—either in Moscow or Yaroslavl. However, his imprisonment was short-lived, as his trading ventures had significantly benefited the Russian economy. In the past, he had facilitated the arrival of 25 other Indian merchants, boosting trade and enriching the Tsar's treasury. So close was his relationship with the Tsar that in another incident—when he was arrested in the Persian city of Tabriz for unknown reasons and imprisoned for eight months—it was Russian influence that secured his release. But how did a foreigner manage to evade strict legal consequences in a foreign land? Perhaps Sutur held secrets about the Tsar, or maybe he had left an indelible impression on both Russian and Persian authorities. There are countless possibilities.

In 1722, an Indian merchant named Anbu Ram approached Tsar Peter the Great and was granted the right to resolve internal disputes among Indian merchants according to their own customs and traditions. This marked a significant breakthrough for the Indian settlers, as the ability to practice their traditions in a foreign land was a rare privilege in the 18th century. This decision fostered trade and expanded the Indian trade network as far as Arkhangelsk, on the shores of the White Sea—the northernmost point Indians could reach in Russia. With Peter the Great’s blessings, Indian merchants gained greater autonomy, enabling them to practice their customs freely. Over time, their presence grew, with more than 400 Indian families settling in Kizlyar, a village along the Terek River in Dagestan, approximately 120 kilometers north of the Georgian border. 

The Indian trading posts in the Russian Empire were closed in 1840, coinciding with the expansion of British colonial rule in India. This may have been influenced by British apprehensions about growing Russian influence in the subcontinent. However, even before this closure, Indian merchants had spread across various regions of Russia, integrating into local society. Many Indian traders married Russian women, settled permanently, and embraced Russian customs and traditions. Over time, this cultural fusion gave rise to individuals with blended identities, bearing names such as Talaram Alimchandov and Ramdas Dzhasuev. The tradition of Indian men marrying Russian women has continued through the centuries and remains prevalent today.

The bond between Russia and India only grew stronger in the following decades. In the 20th century, Russia supported India in various conflicts, strategic expansions, and diplomatic efforts, further cementing the relationship between the two nations. This deep-rooted connection has contributed to the lasting friendship between Russia and India, fostering cultural and social exchanges that continue to thrive.