Hadji Murat by Leo Tolstoy: The Other Side of the Caucasus War
The Caucasus has always been a turbulent region for Russia. From the era of the Russian Empire, where they faced fierce resistance from the local people, to the major wars following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this area has been a crucible of conflict. The stories from the early 19th century, particularly during the time of Imam Shamil in Chechnya, are still the stuff of legend.
In his brilliant novel "Hadji Murat," Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy immerses us in the events of the early 1850s, chronicling the final days of the historical figure Hadji Murat. Right from the beginning, Tolstoy, through his narrator, states that this work tells a story that is sometimes based on historical facts and sometimes on fiction. But most importantly, Tolstoy is telling the story of the "other." Because Hadji Murat was a man who once fought alongside Shamil, leading a successful struggle against the Russians.
What is "Hadji Murat" About? A Summary of the Plot and Background
Many books and novels have been written about the era of Imam Shamil. In some, Shamil is portrayed as a hero, a leader fighting for Chechnya's freedom, a commander resisting the Russian invaders. Tolstoy, however, looks at events from the other side of the coin. While focusing on Hadji Murat's story, he simultaneously paints a very different picture of Shamil.
The novel begins with Hadji Murat leaving Shamil and defecting to the Russian side. In truth, it's less of a defection and more of a desperate seeking of refuge. He still has different plans for the Caucasus. Yet, this Avar commander who once gave the Russians no quarter while by Shamil's side is now with them and against his former leader. Tolstoy explains Hadji Murat's intentions for joining the Russians:
“Hadji Murád always had great faith in his own fortune. When planning anything he felt in advance firmly convinced of success, and fate smiled on him. It was so, with a few rare exceptions, during the whole course of his stormy military life; and so he hoped it would be now. He pictured to himself how—with the army Vorontsóv would place at his disposal—he would march against Shamil and take him prisoner, and revenge himself on him; and how the Russian Tsar would reward him, and he would again rule over not only Avaria, but also over the whole of Chechnya, which would submit to him.” (p. 35)
The relationship between Hadji Murat and Shamil is incredibly complex. They were first enemies (due to a blood feud), then became allies, with Hadji Murat rising to become Shamil's naib (deputy). When they fell out again, they found themselves on the brink of war against each other.
The roots of their conflict actually predate Shamil's rise to leadership. When Hamzat declared a gazavat (holy war) against the Russians in Chechnya, the Avar Khans refused to submit and were killed. Hadji Murat and his brother orchestrated an assassination of Hamzat to avenge their milk-brothers, the Khans. After Hamzat's death, Shamil took power. At the heart of the events between Hadji Murat and Shamil lies this regional power struggle.
The Internal Strife of the Caucasus Peoples
Tolstoy uses the figures of both Hamzat and Shamil to highlight how those who claim to be devout and act in God's name can kill without blinking an eye. On this subject, he has Hadji Murat recount:
“Then the whole of Avaria surrendered to Hamzád. But my brother and I would not surrender. We wanted his blood for the blood of the Khans. We pretended to yield, but our only thought was how to get his blood. We consulted our grandfather, and decided to await the time when he would come out of his palace, and then to kill him from an ambush. Some one overheard us and told Hamzád, who sent for grandfather, and said, ‘Mind, if it be true that thy grandsons are planning evil against me, thou and they shall hang from one rafter. I do God’s work, and cannot be hindered…. Go, and remember what I have said!’ ” (p. 80)
Hadji Murat assassinates Hamzat in a mosque and escapes. His brother is killed in the process. Later, he is captured by the Russians. While being transported to Tiflis, he escapes. This time, he seeks refuge with Shamil and fights against the Russians on his behalf. When he falls out with Shamil, he defects to the Russians, offering to fight against him. Meanwhile, Shamil has taken his family hostage. Hadji Murat tells the Russians he will not fight Shamil until his family is freed. On the Russian side, many suspect that Hadji Murat is actually a spy sent by Shamil.
In this novel, Tolstoy portrays Hadji Murat as a hero and a brave warrior while simultaneously drawing a negative picture of Shamil. For instance, he repeats several times that Shamil killed one of the Avar Khans by throwing him off a cliff. Elsewhere, he describes Shamil returning to his fortress, his only desire being to go to his youngest wife in his harem, yet reluctantly praying first and dealing with his council of elders.
Tolstoy offers similar criticism of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I, creating a parallel between the two opposing leaders, showing how both are flawed and driven by personal desires as much as by ideology.
“...but at that moment Shamil did not wish to think at all. He only desired one thing: rest, and the delights of family life, and the caresses of his favourite wife, the eighteen-year-old, black eyed, quick-footed Aminal” (p. 118)
The Final Days and Death of Hadji Murat
On the Russian side, Hadji Murat is both respected and viewed with deep suspicion. He has rights, like carrying weapons and moving freely, but he is always accompanied by soldiers. His only wish is to first rescue his family; only then will he help the Russians fight Shamil. He struggles long and hard but fails to secure his family's release. Finally, he asks to be sent from Tiflis to Nukha (now known as Shaki, a city in northern Azerbaijan, and also my hometown).
“At Nukhá a small house of five rooms was assigned to Hadji Murád near the mosque and the Khan’s palace. ” (p. 134) He stays there for a while, but upon receiving no good news about his family, he decides to break free from the Russians. With his five loyal men, he escapes from the Shaki fortress, killing the Russian Cossack guards assigned to him. However, they do not get far before becoming trapped in a rice field. They fight a long and fierce battle against a large number of soldiers sent to find them. In the end, he is killed, his head is cut off and sent to Russia. His body is buried where he fell. Hadji Murat's grave is located near the city of Gakh in Azerbaijan.
From everything Tolstoy describes, one comes to this conclusion about Hadji Murat: despite everything he lived through and did, he was a heroic figure. He did what he had to do according to the circumstances and his environment.
On the other hand, Tolstoy does not hesitate to criticize the Russian side in this work. Published after Tolstoy's death, the novel describes how, on the orders of the Russian Tsar, soldiers attacked Chechen villages, burning homes, killing livestock, and destroying crops. This was their strategy of warfare against Shamil.
See also: The Mysterious Story of Hadji Murad's Stolen Remains: What Happened to His Body?
Why You Should Read "Hadji Murat"
- A Masterful Historical Novel: It provides a gripping, nuanced look into a critical period in Caucasian and Russian history.
- The "Other" Perspective: It movingly tells the story from the viewpoint of the mountain peoples resisting the Russian Empire, offering a profound critique of imperialism.
- Complex Characters: There are no simple heroes or villains. Hadji Murat, Shamil, and the Russian officials are all portrayed with depth, contradiction, and humanity.
- Timeless Themes: The novel explores universal themes of honor, betrayal, resistance, the corrupting nature of power, and the individual's struggle against vast, impersonal systems.
- Tolstoy's Late Genius: Written towards the end of his life, it showcases Tolstoy's mature storytelling power, his psychological insight, and his unwavering moral gaze.
Book Details:
- Title: Hadji Murat (Хаджи-Мурат)
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- First Published: 1912 (Posthumously)
- Number of Pages: Typically 130-150 pages
"Hadji Murat" is more than just a story about a legendary fighter; it is a powerful, tragic, and deeply human exploration of the cost of war and the relentless pursuit of freedom and honor. It is a essential read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the enduring spirit of resistance.
