Muqali

One of Genghis Khan's Four Steeds; enfeoffed as prince, he directed the campaigns in North China against the Jin.

Life

One of the Four Steeds

Muqali came from the Jalairs, whose families had served Genghis Khan's clan as hereditary bondsmen for generations. Steady and resourceful, he was known together with Bo'orchu, Boroqul and Chila'un as the "Four Steeds."

Enfeoffed as prince

When the Mongol state was founded in 1206, he was made commander of the left-wing ten thousand. In 1217, before setting out on his Western Campaign, Genghis Khan made him Grand Preceptor and prince and handed him full authority over the war against the Jin, saying, "North of the Taihang Mountains I will manage myself; south of the Taihang, you must do your utmost."

Campaigns in North China

He led Mongol troops and Han Chinese forces in campaigns across North China, winning over large numbers of local Han Chinese militias and occupying most of Hebei, Shandong and Shanxi. In 1223 he died of illness while on his way to attack Fengxiang.

Legacy

Muqali was one of Genghis Khan's most trusted generals, and his heavy reliance on Han Chinese forces set a precedent for the way the Yuan dynasty later ruled.

Major works & achievements

• Led campaigns in North China, seizing large swaths of Jin dynasty territory

Did you know? On his deathbed he said that he had helped build the great enterprise for forty years, and his only regret was that Bianjing had not yet been taken.

Key dates

• 1206Made commander of the left-wing ten thousand
• 1217Made Grand Preceptor and prince; directed the campaigns in North China
• 1223Died