Baghvashi Family

The Baghvashi family was a noble dynasty of feudal lords in Georgia during the 9th–12th centuries and ancient rulers of Argveti (Upper Imereti).

The Baghvashi family was likely of Laz-Chan origin. In some sources, they are occasionally referred to as "Liparitids." In the 770s, the senior member of the family, Liparit Baghvashi, served under David I Curopalates (Kouropalates) (876–881). He migrated to Eastern Georgia, conquered the lands of Guaram Mampali (Trialeti), and founded the powerful Principality of Kldekari. His descendants held the title of "Eristavi of Eristavis" (Eristavteristavi). There was another branch of the Baghvashi family, represented by the Eristavis (Princes) of Racha.

The political power of the Kldekari branch of the Baghvashi family was based on their ancestral land of Argveti and the Principality of Kldekari, which they acquired through feudal patronage. The Kldekari Baghvashi were actively involved in the land disputes between the Bagrationis of Tao-Klarjeti and later in the struggle for supremacy and the unification of the Kingdom of Georgia.

They participated in the wars against the Emirate of Tbilisi, as well as Byzantium, and the Seljuk Turks. They often pursued independent policies and sought to transform their principality into a hereditary domain. Throughout the existence of this family, they always opposed the kings of unified Georgia. They made significant contributions in literature and construction. The family churches built by them included the Church of Katskhi (in Argveti) and Shepiaki (in Trialeti).

The last prominent member of this branch was Rati IV, who was active during the reign of David IV the Builder. After the death of Rati, the king abolished the Principality of Kldekari. A part of Kldekari (Trialeti) became a part of the royal domain in 1103, while another part turned into a principality. The Baghvashi lands in Argveti were donated to Gelati Monastery.

Sources: არისტაკეს ლასტივერტეცი, ისტორია, ე. ცაგარეიშვილის გამოც., თბ., 1974; მატიანე ქართლისა, წგ.: ქართლის ცხოვრება, ს. ყაუხჩიშვილის გამოც., ტ. 1, თბ., 1955; ცხოვრება მეფეთ-მეფისა დავითისი, იქვე; ჟამთააღმწერელი, იქვე, ტ. 2, თბ., 1959.

V. Kopaliani

K. Fagghava