History SQ (3 Marks)

Ulus system was established by Genghis Khan. According to this system, Khan used to transfer the administration of newly conquered lands to his four sons, namely Jochi, Chaghatai, Ogedei and Toluy. His eldest son Jochi was given the region of Russian steppes. Chaghatai was given the charge of Transoxiana steppe and the region of north of Pamir Hills. It was an indication from the Khan that his third son Ogedei would succeed him as the Khan. Toluy, the fourth son was given the region of Mongolia. Ulus was not fixed. The size of Ulus used to change. Under this system, the position of the son of Khan was that of a deputy ruler. They were made the independent in-charge of the military troops, known as Tama. They (Persons holding Ulus) can appoint the person under their region and can also levy new taxes.

Yes, I agree with the statement. The reasons are:

1. Persian chronicles produced inflated figures of casualties resulting from Mongol campaigns to prove their cruelty or to prove them as cruel assassins.
2. There were vast difference between The secret society of Mongol and macro polo’s Travelogues in terms of event and their descriptions.
3. Being the transcontinental span of Mongol empire, the sources were written in different languages.

The nature of documentation on the Mongols and any nomadic regime makes it virtually impossible to understand the inspiration that led to the confederation of fragmented groups of people in the pursuit of an ambition to create an empire.

1. The region which was occupied by Mongols lacked natural resources. The steppe region of central Asia had extreme climate.
2. Cultivation of food was not possible there; only trade could help their survival.
3. The Mongols were forced to trade as the scanty resources of the steppes did not help cultivation. So the Mongols traded with neighboring countries and it was beneficial for both parties.

During the tenure of Genghis Khan, China was divided into three realms. These realms were North-West region, North China and South China. Each realm was governed by different ruling dynasties. His campaign against China was the result of a long drawn-out process. Northern China was invaded by Genghis Khan in 1211. It was then under the influence of Chin dynasty. The Chin ruler gave him a stiff competition. He also posed many difficulties for Genghis Khan. To win over him, Genghis Khan took recourse to diplomacy and instigated the people of the South Manchuria against Chin ruler. This resulted in weakening of the position of Chin ruler. Thus, he succeeded in occupying Peking in 1215. After this, Genghis Khan unleashed a reign of loot and terror in Peking. This victory of Genghis Khan encouraged his soldiers to a great extent. After this successful invasion he returned to Mongolia in 1216.

Jochid dynasty was also one of the prominent dynasties of the Mongols. Jochid, the eldest son of Genghis Khan was the founder of this dynasty. Genghis Khan had transferred the region of Russian steppe to Jochid in 1224. The region of Russian steppe granted to him is also known as Southern Russia or Golden Horde. Jochid died in 1227 and was succeeded by Batu. Batu proved to be an able ruler and conquered entire Russia, Hungary, Poland and Austria during his compaigns from 1236 to 1242. He took several steps to expand Golden Horde to a large extent. He also took numerous steps to strengthen his economy and also modernised his force. After his death in 1256, his successors continued to rule up to 1359 CCE.

Genghis Khan belonged to nomadic society. On the basis of capacity he established a vast empire. His empire included the people from various walks of society and they were civilized people. To rule such a diverse society was not an easy task. Hence, he appointed the people belonging to civilized society to look after the civil administration. The officers were concerned with civil administration and were appointed on the basis of merit. No credit was given to tribals or religious affinities while appointing them in civil administration. The civil administration played an outstanding role in strengthening and consolidating the foundation of Mongol empire. They even influenced the Mongol rulers to transform their policies pertaining to administration. He also made Genghis Khan aware about the 'Importance of Yan system' as followed in China.

No doubt, Temujin was a born commander. His initial success made him more influential. Jamuque was unable to see the growing friendly relations between Temujin and Tughril Khan. Thus, he started be-friending all the tribes hostile to Temujin. Temujin was unable to tolerate it and gave a crushing defeat to Jamuqua with the help of Tughril Khan. Encouraged by the defeat over the powerful Jamuqua, he concentrated towards Taters, Naimaans and Kereyits. Later on Tughril Khan also became hostile to Temujin and was defeated. Thus, he became the most influential person in the politics of steppe region. Keeping his achievement in mind, Quriltai awarded him with the title of Genghis Khan which means universal sovereign.

Yam was a military post, established by Genghis Khan. During the Mongol Empire, such posts were created at a distance of 25 miles. At these posts cavaliers and messengers were appointed and horses were placed at their disposal. These cavaliers used to carry official records from one place to another. Each cavalier was required to tie a bell with the neck of his horse. Whenever, a message used to reach near a post, the messenger present at post, on listening the ring of the bell so tied with the neck of horse, used to get ready along with horse to leave for the next destination. At Yam, proper arrangements were also made for the travellers. With the aim to make their stay secure and comfortable the travellers were issued official passes, known as Paiza. These passes were of three types-gold, silver and iron. The travellers had to tie these passes (Paiza) on their forehead. The travellers were provided facilities at every Yam, according to these passes. The institution proved very successful for the Mongol administration.

1. The Mongol society was patriarchal in nature.
2. The eldest male member was the head of the family who used to take care of the needs of their family members.
3. The rich families were larger in size. The birth of son was highly solicited in the society.
4. Polygamy was in practice in the society.
5. Regarding marriage, strict rules were followed. There was ban on marriage within family circle or within a tribe.
6. There were constant wars among different sections of the society.
7. Some tribes with an aim to keep harmonious relations arranged marriages between their respective tribes.
8. Women were not secluded to hearth and home alone; rather than as per the needs of the hour, they used to equally assist their male counterparts in the battlefield.
9. In case of death of their husbands, they too looked after children and the property of their respective families.

Genghis Khan made several rules in military administration with an aim to ensure discipline in the army.Some of these rules are:

1. All the soldiers in the army had to obey the order of their chief commander.
2. Soldiers could not take part or indulge into loot and plunder without the prior permission of their commander.
3. The soldiers who were on leave immediately had to report back in case of hostilities.
4. No soldier was allowed to move out of his own unit or to enter another unit.
5. All the soldiers had to inspect their weapons properly before the departure for the battlefield.

1. The above passage is written by a Persian chronicler Juwaini. In it, he described Genghis Khan's conquest of Bukhara.
2. Genghis Khan was born in 1162 CE. He was the founder of nomadic empire. He was a good commander and later on established a vast Mongol empire. His original name was Temujin. He was bestowed with the title of Genghis Khan in 1206.
3. Genghis Khan said to the conquered people that:
   1. It was a punishment from God.
   2. The great ones of the society has committed a great sin and, he was to redeem to those sins.
4.  

1. He established firm control over his army and maintained discipline.
2. He made Mongols, the fighting forces with destructive powers.

1. The meaning of Yasa is a legal code.
2. After the conquest of Bukhara in 1221, Genghis Khan had assembled the rich Muslim residents at the festival ground.
3. Yasa is important because:

1. It acknowledged Mongol's affinity to Genghis Khan and his descendants.
2. All religions should be respected and exempted from all sorts of taxation.