NOMADIC EMPIRES

The Mongols

history project
 Group
Members
1.Aishwaryaa Anand
2.Devanshi Vyas
3.Divisha Gupta
4.Vidisha Tripathi
 Who were the
aishwaryaa anand

Mongols?
→ The Mongols were an East Asian ethnic group primarily found in Mongolia, China, and Russia.
They are known for their historical role as the founders of the Mongol Empire, the largest
contiguous land empire in history.

→ The Mongols were known for their powerful military empire, which stretched across a vast area
of Asia and into parts of Eastern Europe.

→ They were a nomadic group from Central Asia, primarily

inhabiting the Mongolian Plateau.
 Mongolia’s geography has played a central role in its history,
culture, and way of life, particularly in shaping its famous
nomadic traditions and military history under leaders like
Genghis Khan.

The Mongols originated in the Eurasian Steppe, a vast region of grasslands in Central Asia. Their
homeland is now divided between the independent country of Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia
Autonomous Region of China.

Mongolia features diverse landscapes, including mountains, grasslands, and the Gobi Desert. (one
of the largest deserts in Asia).

It is the world's second-largest country that is entirely surrounded by land with a total area of
approximately 1.56 million square kms.
aishwaryaa anand
 Genghis Khan (1162–1227), born Temujin, was the founder and first Great

Genghis Khan
Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest
contiguous land empire in history after his death.

1. Borjigin Clan: This was the noble family into which Temujin was born. It
was one of the leading lineages among the Mongol tribes.
2. Khamag Mongol Confederation: Before the formation of the Mongol
Empire, Temujin worked to unite the various Mongol tribes under this
early confederation.
3. Unification of the Mongol Tribes: Through a combination of strategic
alliances, military victories, and political acumen, Temujin unified the
warring Mongol and Turkic tribes of the steppe.
4. Title of Genghis Khan: In 1206, after uniting the tribes, Temujin was
proclaimed "Genghis Khan" (meaning "universal ruler") by a council of
Mongol chieftains.
5. Mongol Empire: Under Genghis Khan’s leadership, the unified Mongol tribe
rapidly expanded into the largest contiguous land empire in history.

aishwaryaa anand
 Genghis Khan and his successors implemented a unique
governance style that transformed the Mongol Empire into
one of the largest and most efficient empires in history.

- Collective Rule: Genghis Khan assigned governance of newly conquered territories to his four sons,
forming four ulus (territorial divisions). Decisions were made collectively at assemblies.

Meritocracy : Genghis Khan emphasized capability over connections, promoting individuals based
on skills and merits rather than lineage or tribal affiliations. This fostered loyalty to the central
authority and reduced tribal factionalism

Yassa (Code of Law): Genghis Khan introduced the Yassa, a comprehensive set of laws regulating
Mongol life, including criminal law, trade, and social norms. It ensured unity, discipline, and order
across the vast empire Divisha Gupta
 01 Conquering China Key Military
Campaigns
1. Tibetan Hsi Hsia people in North-West (1209)
2. Jurchen’s Chin dynasty ruled the North from peking (1215), wartorn until
1234
3. Sung dynasty of Southern China

02 Khwarazmian Empire
1. Post Qara Khita’s 1918 defeat, reached Transoxiana & Khwarazm
2. Started with execution of Mongol envoys
3. Cities like Nishapur, Samarqand and Bukhara destroyed (1219–1221)

03 Eastern European Campaign

1. Led by Batu Khan, Genghis’s grandson
2. Created terror across Poland, Hungary, Russia (1236-1241)
3. Europe saved only by Ögedei Khan’s death, led to a Quriltai
Mongol War Tactics
1.Integrated Command Structure
2.Diversionary Tactics: Fake army appeared weak to
entice enemies to attack, main army ambushed the
confused enemies.
3.Feigned Retreats
4.Integration of Conquered Armies
Mongol War Tactics
1.Capable Leaders, Strategic Planning & Innovative
Use of Intelligence
2.Role of Horsemen
3.Siege Warefare: Trebuchets, movable towers,
tunnels
4.Coordination & Communication
 Role of Women
IN THE MONGOL SOCIETY
1. Economic Participation : Women managed households, raised children, and
contributed to economic activities like herding, milking livestock, and processing
animal products.
2. Property And Inheritance right : Mongol women could own property and inherit it.
They had rights to their husband's possessions in case of divorce or widowhood.
3. Influence and decision making :Women from elite families could exert influence
in political matters. Some women advised their husbands or sons on important
decisions.h
4. Realative Freedom :ICompared to women in some sedentary societies, Mongol
women had more freedom in movement and participation in outdoor activities.
Divisha gupta
Psychological
W a r f a r e
1.Reputation for Brutality
2.Distinctive war banners
3.Misinformation, Visual Illusions to Confuse the
Enemy (Naiman Tribe War (1204))
4.Advanced Spy Networks Used to Destabilise
Enemies
Genghis Khan as a
Military Leader
1. Decimal system Army (10s, 100s, 1000s, 10000s)
2. Loyal Commanders: Chosen by merit; elite Keshig guard
3. Fast Communication: Yam courier network
4. Established the Previous War Tactics and Psychological
Warfare
Decline of the Mongol Empire
Key Causes of Decline:

Fragmentation of Power: After Genghis Khan’s death, the empire was divided into four major
khanates, each ruled independently.

Succession Disputes: Power struggles among Genghis’s descendants weakened central authority.

Overexpansion: The vast size of the empire made governance, communication, and military
coordination extremely difficult.

Cultural Resistance: In regions like China and Persia, the Mongols were seen as foreign rulers,
leading to revolts and resistance.

Collapse of the Yuan Dynasty: In 1368, the Mongols were driven out of China by the Ming Dynasty,
marking a major decline.
 Regional Impact of the Mongol Rule
China:
The Mongols ruled through the Yuan Dynasty (established by Kublai Khan).
While they brought administrative innovations and expanded trade, resentment led to rebellion and their eventual expulsion.

Russia:
Under the Golden Horde, Russia faced heavy taxation and control.
However, this period also saw the rise of Moscow, which would later lead Russian resistance.

Middle East and Central Asia:

The Ilkhanate introduced some administrative reforms but struggled to maintain control.
Many areas suffered economically and demographically due to prolonged warfare.

Europe:
Western Europe was largely spared from conquest but was profoundly affected by the Mongol re-opening of the Silk Road, which boosted
trade and cultural exchange.
 Legacy and Modern Perspectives
Cultural Legacy:
The Mongols created one of the largest contiguous empires in history. They revived and protected
the Silk Road, encouraging long-distance trade, diplomacy, and cultural contact.

Administrative Innovations:
Implemented postal systems, law codes (Yassa), and supported religious freedom. Despite initial
destruction, Mongol rule brought a level of political stability across Eurasia.

Modern Interpretations:
In Mongolia, Genghis Khan remains a national symbol of strength and unity. Elsewhere, he is viewed
with complexity, remembered both for conquest and contributions to global connectivity.
Tha nk y ou !