In the ancient times the Udmurt (indigenous population of Udmurtia) lived on the territory of the contemporary Kirov region and Tatarstan Republic. Escaping from interethnic conflicts and attempts of converting them to Christianity, Udmurts moved further to the East and North, stepping back from the banks of the largest rivers.

The poetic paganism of the Udmurt people was based on the idolization of phenomena of the Nature and worshipping numerous Gods. Udmurts had no written language, therefore the element of improvisation played a significant role in their prayers and religious ceremonies. Articles of decorative art used for the needs of cult and in everyday life amazed with their rich colors and variety of patterns. Udmurts were very famous for weaving and artistic wood processing.

At the end of the 12th century the first Russians settled down on the territory of Udmurtia. The capture of Kazan (1552) provided access to this area. It was then that the first large Russian settlements appeared in Udmurtia.

The second half of the 19th century was marked by the rapid development of industry and culture in Udmurtia. Many private factories, workshops, banks, partnerships, gymnasiums, industrial colleges, theaters, libraries were open. In 1921 the territory of Udmurtia was proclaimed Votskaya Autonomous Region. Since 1934 it has been the Udmurt Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (UASSR). Since 1990 the UASSR, in accordance with its Supreme Soviet resolution, has been called the Republic of Udmurtia.