Nikolai Petrovich Arkharov is a Russian official, chief police officer from Moscow. The years of his life fall at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. According to one version, this person is the founder of the notion of “Arkharovtsy”. What is meant by this word? Who are Arkharovtsy? There are several versions.
"Arkharovtsy" is a vernacular and outdated concept by which hooligans, mischievous, dissolute and desperate people were designated. In addition, police used to be called that. These are the main versions of what Arkharovets means. We invite you to get acquainted with this word.
First version
According to the first version, the concept that interests us comes from the surname Arkharov. In the Russian Empire in the 18th century there lived a general from infantry, chief police officer of Moscow. The surname of this person formed the basis of the meaning of the word "Arkharovets". It had an ironic connotation and was used to refer to a policeman, a law enforcement servant. It is known that Nikolai Arkharov (his portrait is presented above) was of noble origin. In order to get an officer rank, he joined the guard, after which he was a soldier of the Preobrazhensky regiment. It is also known that the sponsored Arkharov Nikolai Petrovich became famous for the "unconventional" methods of investigation. In the past, some of them were hooligans and thieves. Although these policemen repented, they did not forget their former "rough grip." That’s who the Arkharovites are.
Second version
The second version is also based on the surname of Arkharov. However, the interpretation of this surname is different. At the end of the 18th century, supposedly, the Arkharovites were called soldiers belonging to the Moscow garrison. In Moscow at that time, power was in the hands of two Arkharov brothers (first one, and then the second), who were governor-generals. This post assumed command of the Moscow regiment. Since the existence of the Streltsy troops, the regiments have traditionally been named after the commanders who led them. That is why the garrison Moscow regiment was called Arkharovsky. Accordingly, the soldiers who served in it began to call a word that interests us.
Third version
There is another version of who the Arkharovites are. This word was used by some people to mean mountain sheep hunters. After all, this rather mobile and dexterous animal is called no other than argali.
