“Brief history of Mongols” Compiled by A. Dorzhiev (1853–1938)

Abstract

The article provides a source analysis of the historical work by Agvan Dorzhiev entitled as “A brief history of the Mongols according to the Mongolian chronicle Huhe Debter (Blue Book)”. Two editions of A. Dorzhiev’s work have been analyzed and their comparison with the chronicle “Huhe Debter” (Blue Book) from the collections of the library of St. Petersburg University was carried out. The methods of source studies, historical-descriptive and historical-comparative methods are used in the work. It is revealed that the text of A. Dorzhiev almost completely repeats the logic of the narration, as well as the history and genealogy of the Mongolian khans according to the third part of the handwritten chronicle “Huhe Debter”. In the publication of A. Dorzhiev, minor corrections and additions are observed. Separate insertions relate to the religious merits of the Mongolian Khagans, their activities in spreading the Buddhist religion, as well as the history of the Olets and their genealogies, which are given in two versions. This work has been strongly influenced by Buddhist ideology, for example, for confirming the idea of the incarnation of Bodhisattva Ochirvani in Genghis Khan, a small excursion into Buddhist doctrine is given. In substantiating the heavenly predestination of the birth of Genghis Khan, the formation of the cult of Genghis Khan, and the appointment of the descendants of Boorchu as caretakers of the tomb of Genghis Khan in Ordos are outlined. The dating of some historical events can also be attributed to Buddhist influence. This publication of “A Brief History of the Mongols” by A. Dorzhiev draws attention to the little-known Mongolian chronicle “Huhe Debter”. Both texts are interesting as historical and literary works, as sources on the Mongolian chronicles, the history of Mongolia and Mongolian Buddhism.