Altan Khan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Altan Khan |
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| Khan of Tümed | |
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| Born | 1507 |
| Died | 1582 (aged 74–75) |
| Spouse | Erketü Qatun |
| House | Borjigin |
| Father | Bars Bolud Jinong |
| Religion | Tibetan Buddhism |
Altan Khan (born Anda) was a very important Mongol leader. He lived from 1507 to 1582. He led the Tümed Mongols, a powerful group. He also ruled the western Mongol tribes.
Altan Khan was the grandson of Dayan Khan. Dayan Khan had united many Mongol tribes. Altan Khan was also a descendant of the famous Kublai Khan. His name means "Golden Khan" in the Mongolian language.
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Becoming a Powerful Leader
Altan was the second son of Bars Bolud Jinong. He was also the grandson of Dayan Khan. Dayan Khan had brought the Mongol nobles together. He wanted to bring back the glory of the Yuan dynasty.
Altan Khan ruled the Tümed people. He was part of the western Mongols. His older brother, Gün Bilig, ruled the Ordos region. After Gün Bilig died in 1542, Altan became the main leader of the western Mongols. He was given the special title "Tösheetü Sechen Khan."
When Bodi Alagh Khan died in 1547, Altan became even more powerful. He forced Bodi Alagh's successor, Darayisung Küdeng Khan, to move east. In 1551, Darayisung made a deal with Altan. He gave Altan the title "Gegeen Khan."
Altan Khan controlled the Ordos region near the Yellow River. This helped him put pressure on the Chinese. He also pressured the Oirat Mongols in Tibet. At the same time, he worked to improve farming and trade.
Altan Khan also started a new city called Köke Khota. This means "The Blue City." Today, it is the capital of Inner Mongolia. There is a large statue of him in the city.
Connecting with Tibetan Buddhism
Altan Khan is well-known for his connection with Tibetan Buddhism. He helped spread the Gelug order of Buddhism in Mongolia.
In 1569, Altan Khan invited the 3rd Dalai Lama to his land. The Dalai Lama sent a student instead. The student told him about the chance to spread Buddhist teachings.
In 1571, the Chinese emperor gave Altan Khan a new title. He was called "Prince of Shunyi." This means "Obedient and Righteous Prince." The emperor also gave Altan Khan's new capital a new name, Guihua. This means "return to civilization."
Altan Khan became very interested in the Gelugpa branch of Buddhism. The Chinese emperor was happy to send him Tibetan lamas (teachers). He also sent Tibetan scriptures and translations.
In 1577, Sonam Gyatso (the 3rd Dalai Lama) accepted Altan Khan's invitation. They met in Tümed. Altan Khan then built Mongolia's first monastery there. It was called Thegchen Chonkhor.
Another Mongol ruler, Abtai Sain Khan, also met the Dalai Lama. He built the Erdene Zuu Monastery in 1586. This was at the site of the old Mongol capital, Karakorum. He made Buddhism the official religion. This monastery grew very large over time.
Sonam Gyatso said he was a rebirth of a Tibetan monk. This monk had converted Kublai Khan to Buddhism. Altan Khan, he said, was a rebirth of Kublai Khan. They had come together again to spread Buddhism.
Altan Khan gave Sonam Gyatso the title "Dalai." This is a Mongolian word meaning "ocean." So, Sonam Gyatso became known as the Dalai Lama. This title is often translated as "Ocean of Wisdom." The title was also given to the first two Dalai Lamas. This meant Sonam Gyatso was the 3rd Dalai Lama.
Sonam Gyatso stayed in Mongolia. He continued to teach Buddhism to the Mongols. The Tümed Mongols and their friends became followers of the Gelug tradition. This became the main spiritual path for Mongols for centuries.
Sonam Gyatso taught that it was time for Mongolia to accept Buddhism. He said there should be no more animal sacrifices. He also said no one should take any life, animal or human. Military actions should only be for a good reason. And the custom of burning women on their husbands' funeral fires must stop. Altan Khan helped make these new laws happen.
A huge project began to translate Tibetan texts into Mongolian. These books were paid for by the Dalai Lama's followers. Within 50 years, almost all Mongols became Buddhist. Tens of thousands of monks joined the Gelug order. They were loyal to the Dalai Lama.
When Sonam Gyatso died in 1588, his next rebirth was Altan Khan's great-grandson. This child became the new Dalai Lama.
Military Actions
Altan Khan led attacks into the Ming dynasty in China. He did this in 1529, 1530, and 1542. He returned with valuable goods and animals. In 1550, he crossed the Great Wall. He even attacked Beijing, setting fire to its suburbs.
In 1552, Altan Khan took control of Karakorum. This was the old Mongol capital. The Chinese emperor, Longqing Emperor, had to make a deal with Altan Khan. In 1571, they signed a peace treaty. This allowed the Mongols to trade horses for silks. This made Altan Khan's rule stronger. The emperor also gave Altan Khan the title Prince Shunyi.
During his rule, Altan Khan also led successful military trips to the west. He fought against the Oirats, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz. He brought them back under his control.
Death
Altan Khan died in 1582. He was 74 or 75 years old. This was only four years after he met the Third Dalai Lama.
Succession
Altan Khan's son, Sengge Düüreng, took over his title of Prince of Shunyi. The Ming court in China supported him. Altan Khan's great-grandson, Yonten Gyatso, was chosen as the 4th Dalai Lama.
Images for kids
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Altan Khan
See also
In Spanish: Altan Kan para niños
