The Black Sea principality of western Georgia ruled by the Dadiani dynasty, de facto independent of Imereti from the mid-16th century; it accepted Russian protection in 1803 and was formally abolished in 1867.
Placed under Russian protection in 1803, the principality retained autonomy under the Dadiani until the Russian Empire abolished its self-government and annexed it outright in 1867.
Covers the Dadiani principality of Mingrelia, its independence from Imereti, and the Russian protectorate and abolition.