ECONOMIC LIFE OF DAGESTAN AND NORTH CAUCASUS IN 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES

Using scientific and historical ethnographic materials, the article describes the economic life of the peoples of the North Caucasus who were engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and handicraft production. Based on the analysis of all available sources, published and unpublished works, Caucasian studies, the article describes processes that occurred in the economic life of the region. The economic life of the peoples of the region depended on natural geographical and climatic conditions, availability of arable land plots and the political situation. The article examines the impact of the economic life on strengthening economic ties of the region with Russia. The purpose of this study is to analyze characteristics of the economic life of the peoples of Dagestan and the North Caucasus taking into account peculiarities of the region. The methodological basis of the article is the principle of historicism which requires the study of historical facts and events taking into account specific historical conditions, their consideration in causality, development and interdependence of historical events. Special attention is paid to the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and the North Caucasus which played a key role in further relations. The Russian government paid special attention to the economic development of the region which was one of the means of spreading its influence on the North Caucasus. The economic life of the region was regulated by special decrees encouraging economic activities. For Russia, the North Caucasus was important politically and economically. Therefore, the region was considered as strategically important.