Muqali

Muqali was a highly influential Mongol general during the rise of the Mongol Empire. He served as a trusted commander and close advisor to Genghis Khan. Known by the epithet "Muqali," which means "one who dulls," he was celebrated for his ability and commitment. He played a vital role in the expansion of the empire, particularly during the conquest of the Jin dynasty in northern China. Because of his tactical skill and wisdom, many historians regard him as one of the greatest military commanders in history.

Muqali's life began with a unique relationship to the Mongol leadership. He was the third son of Gü'ün U'a, a leader of the Jalair tribe. The Jalair people had been hereditary serfs to the Borjigin Mongols. In 1197, after Temujin—the man who would become Genghis Khan—defeated the Jurkin, Muqali's father pledged allegiance to him. As part of this bond, Gü'ün U'a offered Muqali to Temujin as a personal servant, or emčü. This early service allowed Muqali and Genghis Khan to develop a deep intimacy. This close bond eventually transformed Muqali from a servant into a supreme leader and advisor.

In 1206, during the coronation of Genghis Khan, Muqali's loyalty was formally rewarded. He was granted command of the third tumen, which was a large military unit. He also gained control over the eastern mingghans, or military groups. As the Mongol campaigns expanded into Jin China, Muqali became a central figure in the military hierarchy. He participated in the decisive Battle of Yehuling in 1211. This battle was a critical first stage in the Mongol conquest of the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty.

Muqali's leadership style was distinct from many other Mongol commanders. While some leaders used massacres to gain advantages, Muqali often used conciliatory methods. He preferred to convert his enemies into friends through diplomacy and wisdom. When Genghis Khan departed to conquer the Khwarazmian Empire in Central Asia, he left Muqali in charge of Northern China. He appointed him as the Viceroy of China, giving him the title of gui ong, or kuo-wang. He also received the Chinese title of taishi. This gave Muqali a high degree of autonomy to rule the region.

Despite having limited resources, Muqali achieved massive territorial gains. He managed most of northern China with a relatively small force of approximately 20,000 Mongols. Some historical accounts suggest his total force was between 40,000 and 70,000 men when including foreign auxiliaries. In 1217, he attacked regions including modern-day Hebei, northern Shandong, and northern Shaanxi. By 1219, he had largely subdued these important agricultural areas. In 1220, he captured four towns in Shandong, though the Jin forces continued to resist in other areas.

Muqali's final campaigns took place in the early 1220s. In mid-1221, he crossed the Ordos and conquered major cities in northern and central Shaanxi. He crossed the Yellow River in November 1221 to take the strategic city of Jiazhou. In the spring of 1222, he crossed the Yellow River again on ice. From the Luo River area, he recaptured towns like Xizhou and Daizhou in Shanxi. He later captured the strategic city of Hezhong at the end of 1222. However, the cities of Jingzhao and Fengxiang continued to resist his advance.

Muqali died in the spring of 1223 at the age of 53. He fell seriously ill while consolidating his position near the Yellow River. On his deathbed, he expressed pride in the fact that he had never been defeated in battle. After his death, his son Bo'ol took over his command. Bo'ol continued his father's tradition by appointing Chinese officials to high posts. These officials maintained Chinese bureaucratic practices and provided Confucian education.

The legacy of Muqali extended through several generations of his family. His descendants served many different Mongol leaders, including the Toluid lineage. Some members of the Jalair tribe even helped found the Jalayirid Dynasty in Baghdad. Over time, his family became increasingly "civil" and adopted Confucian behaviors. They later became prominent officials during the Yuan dynasty founded by Kublai Khan. Today, Muqali is remembered through a statue in Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar.