U368 Mongol Conquest Lecture
Week 3, Wednesday:  Clan Stratification and Politics

 

  1. Lineage Stratification and tribal structure
    1. Circles of related and marrying clans = tribes.  Three big tribes:
      1. Mongols
      2. Merkids
      3. Tatars
    2. Mongols in 2 moeties: Niru'u/Kiyan or Dürlükin/Negüs lineages
      1. Niru'u ruling, Negüs non-ruling
      2. Niru'u were symbolically wife-takers, male, hunters
        1. Borjigidai and Monggoljin in SH §3
      3. Negüs were symbolically wife-givers, female, milkers (§3, 8, 64)
      4. Some Negüs lineages independent (Unggirad, etc.), others subject
    3. Conquered lineages becomes subjects (§186-187)
      1. All Borjigin lineages had subjects
        1. "Boys" employed as household slaves (§13-16, 120-213)
        2. Some camped near rulers, paid milk-tribute (§81-85, cf. 219)
        3. Given as dowry slaves (inje) with daughters (§43, 185, 208)
      2. Bodonchar story (falconer subjugates milkers, §24-39, cf. 97-211)
      3. Subjects partly members, partly non-members of dominant lineage
        1. Some lose separate clan identity; Jarchi'ud "servants"
        2. But if master powerful>> "boys" close to power
    4. Nököd "Companions"
      1. Borjigids join up & coming leaders; Bo'orchu of Arulad
      2. Perform household functions like "boys" (§125), trusted men (§124)
    5. Khanship; Qa/an and qan
      1. Khanship of one tribe only (Mongol, Tatars, Merkids, Kereyids)
      2. Started with Qabul Qa'an (§52) > Ambagai (§53) > Qutula (§57)
      3. Elected at assembly, by charismatic election (§57, 121-6, 141-202)
      4. Main role at elction played by independent clan chiefs (§123)
      5. Usually Kiyad or Tayichi'ud eligible, but not hereditary (cf. §141)