In search of the kinship: the origin of the Lithuanians in Russian political and historical thought, 1820–1860s.

Komzolova A.

The article explores certain patterns in the way the Lithuanians and notions of their origin were represented in the Russian political and historical thought in the 1820–1860s. The article shows how Russian historical and philological narratives of the Lithuanians’ origin were embedded in political debates of the time. The Russian history scholars, especially the Slavophiles, have sought to establish historical descent and cultural relationships among the Russians and the Lithuanians. They largely relied on perceived linguistic ties between the Slavs and the Lithuanians. Their efforts were seeking to highlight the significance of notions of Slavic-Lithuanian ethnic and cultural affinity for the definition of Russian identity and for the Russian self-understanding.

Keywords:Russian Empire, Northwest Provinces, Lithuanians, Slavophiles, national identity, ethnic and cultural affinity