The Tuvan People's Republic (or People's Republic of Tannu Tuva; Tuvan: Tьвa Arat Respuвlik, Тыва Арат Республик, Tyva Arat Respublik, ; 1921–44) was a partially recognized independent state in the territory of the former Tuvan protectorate of Imperial Russia also known as Uryankhaisky Krai .