The article is devoted to the research of a social and economic condition and the administrative organization of the Kalmyk steppe in the 19th century. On the basis of statistical sources, acts of legislation and contemporary records of events the author carried out thorough analysis of economic development, social status and frame of the society of the Kalmyks. Analyzing these data the author shows that by means of reforms carried out in the Kalmyk steppe there was a gradual submission to civil management of internal life of the Kalmyk people, and change occurred in cattle breeding economy of Kalmyks in many respects depended on nature of changes in the Russian economy and the society which has followed in new market conditions. According to the author, results of article expand and supplement question subject and therefore can be applied by preparation of scientific works and publications, and also in educational process of higher education institutions when developing special disciplines, lecture courses and facultative occupations.