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The Mongols

© P Jerome Jayanth

The Mogols are a nomadic and pastoral people found in the eastern parts of Asia. The origins of the Mongols are shrouded in the mists of time. It is generally believed that they were a loose confederation of tribes. Fierce and warlike, these tribes waged bloody wars amongst themselves

In the early 13th century, the legendary Genghis Khan united these tribes and raised an army that swept across Asia and Central Europe and established a vast and powerful Eurasian Empire.

The Mongols faded into obscurity a few centuries after the death of their leader. This was mainly due to the incompetence of Genghis Khan's Successors.

History presents the Mongols as fierce people. This fierce nature was fashioned by the harsh environment in which the Mongols survived. Theirs was a land in the North east of Asia. It was separated from China by the inhospitable Gobi desert. In summer the heat was unbearable. In winter, cold winds from Siberia would sweep across the land, causing the temperature to fall to painfully low levels.

The traditional religion of the Mongols was Shamanism. In the 16th century Buddhism was introduced into Mongolia. As a result of the influences of the two religions, a new religion Lamaism emerged.

The Mongols are traditional pastoralists. They follow their herds of cattle, camels etc. on a seasonal tour of pastures.

Mongol Camp

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