Duchy of Ksani

The Duchy of Ksani (Georgian: ქსნის საერისთავო) was an administrative unit in feudal Georgia. It consisted lands around Ksani and two more neighbouring south-western valleys, thus making two administrative entities: Ksniskhevi, with its centre in Kvenipnevi and Tskhradzmiskhevi with its centre in Largvisi, which is also home of the Largvisi Monastery.

Duchy of Ksani ქსნის საერისთავო
Principality of the Kingdom of Kartli
15th century-1801
The duchy as in the 17th and 18th centuries
Capital	Kvenipnevi
Area
• Coordinates	42°07′10″N 44°29′16″E
Historical era	Middle Ages
• Established	15th century
• Disestablished	1801
Today part of	Georgia

History

Castle and seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Ksani, in Akhalgori.

Tskhradzmiskhevi started to become dominant in the 10th century when it included gorges of Lekhura, Medjuda and upper side of the river Liakhvi. After incorporating of neighbouring southern gorges, the residence was relocated from Largvisi to Kvenipnevi.

According to Vakhushti's references, during the reign of Tamar the Great, Kartli and Ksani were separated Dukedoms. After the Mongol invasion in the second half of the 13th century, the dukes of Ksani were of the Bibiluri family.

In the 14th century, Saeristavo included: Tskhradzma, Jamuri, Kharchokhi, Jurta, Kholoti, Isroliskhevi, Abazasdzeta, Truso, Ghuda, Gagasdzeni, Mleta, Arakhveti, Khando, Khanchaeti, Dzagnakora, Dighuami, Gavasi, Atseriskhevi, Bekhushe.

In the 15th century, the Saeristavo practically became a Satavado ("manorial").

Dukes of Ksani

• Largvel Kvenipneveli
• Shalva I Kvenipneveli, son of Duke Largvel
• Virshel Kvenipneveli, son of Duke Shalva I
• Shalva II Kvenipneveli, Duke 1460—1470
• Elizbar Kvenipneveli
• Iese I Kvenipneveli, Duke 1624—1635
• Iese II Kvenipneveli, Duke 1635—1642
• Shanshe I Kvenipneveli, Duke 1642—1653
• Shalva Kvenipneveli, Duke 1653—1661
• Iese III Kvenipneveli, Duke 1661—1675
• David Kvenipneveli, Duke 1675—1717
• Shanshe, Duke of the Ksani, 1717—1753
• Prince Iulon of Georgia, 1790–1801.

References

• (in Georgian) GSE, (1986) volume 10, page 683, Tbilisi.
• (in Georgian) Gvasalia, J. (1973) Essays on Georgian history. volume 4. Tbilisi