Muqali facts for kids

Muqali (Mongolian: Мухулай; 1170–1223) was a very important Mongol general. He was a trusted commander for Genghis Khan, the famous leader of the Mongol Empire. Muqali was also known as Mukhali or Mukhulai.

His father, Gü'ün U'a, was a leader of the Jalair tribe. He had promised loyalty to the Mongols. Muqali earned his nickname "Muqali," which means "one who dulls." This name showed how dedicated and skilled he was in serving the Great Khan and the Mongol Empire.

During the Mongol invasion of Jin China, Muqali was Genghis Khan's second-in-command. He was later made the Viceroy of China. This meant he was in charge of the region with a lot of freedom to make decisions. Unlike some Mongol leaders who used harsh methods, Muqali often tried to make enemies into friends. He wanted to improve the Mongol image in China. Many people thought he was one of the best Mongol generals ever. He never lost a battle, even with limited resources.

Muqali's Early Life

Muqali was born in 1170. He was the third son of Gü'ün U'a. His family belonged to the 'White' clan of the Jalair tribe. This tribe traditionally served the Borjigin Mongols.

In 1197, Muqali's father and uncles promised their loyalty to Temujin (who later became Genghis Khan). This happened after Temujin defeated the Jurkin tribe. Gü'ün U'a offered his son Muqali to Temujin as a personal servant. Genghis Khan was impressed by Muqali's honesty and wisdom. Muqali then became a very loyal friend and companion to Genghis Khan.

A Great Military Leader

When Genghis Khan was officially crowned, Muqali was given a big command. He led the third tumen, which was a military unit of 10,000 soldiers. He also controlled the eastern mingghans, another type of military division.

In 1211, Muqali played a key role in the Battle of Yehuling. This was a very important battle in the first part of the Mongol conquest of northern China. The Jin dynasty was led by the Jurchen.

Later, Genghis Khan decided to fight the Khwarazmian Empire. He gave Muqali control of all Mongol forces in China. He also gave him the special title of King. This title was mostly for show, but it showed how much Genghis Khan trusted him.

Conquering Northern China

Even though Genghis Khan took most of the main Mongol army to the west, Muqali managed to conquer most of northern China. He did this with a smaller force of about 20,000 Mongols. Some historians believe he had more soldiers, possibly up to 70,000, if you include soldiers from other groups who joined him.

In 1217, Muqali attacked areas that are now Hebei Province, northern Shandong Province, and northern Shaanxi Province. These lands were controlled by the Jin dynasty. This region was very important for farming. By 1219, Muqali had mostly taken control of it.

In 1220, Muqali focused on the rest of Shandong Province. His forces captured four towns. However, the Jin forces fought hard and managed to hold onto other parts of the province. After many defeats, the Jin learned that their best chance was to stay inside their cities. They hoped to outlast Muqali's army.

Muqali's Final Campaign

Muqali's last military campaign began in 1222. He crossed the Wei River and attacked south. He captured towns that another Mongol general had already raided. Meanwhile, the Jin forces started a counter-attack in Shanxi Province. Muqali quickly rushed to that area. The Jin forces ran away without fighting him.

While attacking another town, Muqali became very sick. He died soon after, in 1223. On his deathbed, Muqali proudly said that he had never been defeated in battle.

After Muqali's death, Genghis Khan gave command to Muqali's son, Bol. In seven years of fighting in northern China, Muqali had greatly reduced the Jin dynasty's lands. They only held onto Henan Province. Muqali proved to be an amazing general who worked tirelessly for Genghis Khan. Other Mongol generals struggled to make progress in China after he died. The Mongols in China faced many problems until Subutai and Tolui arrived with the main Mongol army in 1232.

Muqali's Lasting Impact

After Muqali's death, his family continued to serve the Great Khan of the Mongols. This was especially true for the family line of Tolui, Genghis Khan's son. Some of Muqali's descendants, like Antong and Baiju, became important officials. They followed the Confucian way of the Yuan dynasty. This dynasty was founded by Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan.

Some of Muqali's family members also helped Hulagu conquer Persia. Later, they founded the Jalayirid Dynasty. This dynasty ruled from Baghdad after the Hulaguid Ilkhanate empire fell apart.

Today, you can see a statue of Muqali in Chinggis Square in Ulaanbaatar. It stands next to a statue of Bo'orchu and Genghis Khan.

Descendant

• Dorjeban