The Statute of Kalisz, labeled “The Jewish Magna Carta,” was signed in 1264 by Bolesław the Pious, Grand Duke of Poland. The statute guaranteed Jewish liberties and became the basis for the development of Jewish sanctuary in Poland. The Statute allowed for the creation of an autonomous Yiddish speaking Jewish nation within Poland’s borders, governed by Talmudic Law (until 1795, and dissolved with the partitions of Poland between Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia). The Statute established Jewish Courts and a special tribunal for the hearing of matters involving Christians and Jews. Jews were exempt from slavery and serfdom, had no obligation for the defense of Poland, and were not required to speak Polish. By 1549, the Jewish population of Poland exceeded 200,000.