Inäzor Purgas by Pavel Aleshin

"The Russian conquest of Volga started around 8th century, first notable Erzyan outpost to be lost for Russians was Obran Osh in year 1120. In 1221 Novgorodian Princes destroyed Obran Osh and layed city of Nizhniy Novgorod on it's ruins.

This and development of tribal system and clan system into yet more complex feodal govereign system among Erzya and Moksha in Volga led to centralized state formations. Erzya were unified under reign of Inäzor Purgas. It's estimated that his reign lasted at least couple decades at the start of 13th century to cope and fight the pressure of larger nations from two directions; Volga-Bulgaria, and at first Kievan Rus and then Novgorod.

The title Inäzor for Erzyan ruler is derived from Erzyan words. It is by some researchers believed to be translated into great or high ruler or similar translation.

Its not clear of what was Erzyan name for Erzyan nation of the time. It's believed that the capital of Erzyan nation of Purgasovy principality was fortified town of Arzamas, and known outpost was fortified town of Obran Osh.

Under Purgas's reign Erzyan dukes raided Mokshan and Novgorod's lands and were in constant war with Moksha lead by Kanazor Purgas. In order to defend Erzyan independence Purgas allied with Volga Bulgaria. Some Erzyan areas were intermittently subjected to pay taxes to Volga Bulgaria.

During wars against Novgorod and Moksha, Purgas was known to achieve victory in battle agains Novgorod princes in January 1229. His army repulsed a raid of the Russian princes. After that he had one victory against Mokshan Kanazor Puresh who was allied with Novgorodian princes.

Purgas was notable figure in Erzyan epic poetry as well. He was and is seen by Erzya as figure of Erzyan strugle for independence much similarly with Lembitu of Lehola, elder of Sakala in Estonia. Erzya perceive Purgas as a national hero. Among Moksha, Puresh holds similar standing.

It is as well known that while Erzya were in war against Novgorodian Russians, much like among many Finno-Ugrian peoples, some towns were multi-ethnic. As other Finnic peoples of Volga, some towns also had notable amount of Turkic population. During wars with Moksha and Novgorod Russian peasants fled to settle in Erzyan land.

In 1230 Purgas laid siege to Nizhny Novgorod with intention of restoring Erzyan territories but was defeated. After that Puresh’s son Prince Atämaz raided into Purgaz's lands and completely destroyed his kingdom. In 4 September 1236 Genkhis Khan's son Kulkan and the Mongol Khans declared war on Moksha and Erzya. Erzya were able to rersist the first advances of Mongols, but war ended on 23 August 1237 with a crucial victory for the Mongols."

-taken from facebook link below

Inäzor Purgas by Pavel Aleshin.

Source/Quote:

https://www.facebook.com/Finno-Ugric-heritage-554105641302956/photos/949569331756583