Torghut

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Huang Qing Zhigong Tu, 1769, Tayiji (prince) of the Torghuts and his wife (土爾扈特台吉(婦)

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Huang Qing Zhigong Tu, 1769, Torghut commoners (土爾扈特民人)

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Huang Qing Zhigong Tu, 1769, Zaisang (ǰayisang, high minister) of the Torghuts and his wife (土爾扈特宰桑(婦)

Ubasi

Torghut is a subgroup of the Oirat Mongols, who moved to the Volga River region of Russia in the early 17th century. The Torghuts played a significant role in the history of the Kalmuck Khanate, which was established in the region they settled. Their migration is a notable event in the history of the Mongolian peoples, illustrating the broader patterns of movement and settlement among the nomadic tribes of Central Asia.

History

The Torghuts originated from the Dzungar Khanate, a powerful state in Central Asia. In the early 17th century, due to internal conflicts and seeking new pastures, a large group of Torghuts, led by their Khan, decided to migrate westward. This journey led them to the lower Volga region, where they settled and came to be known as the Kalmucks or Kalmyks.

In the Volga region, the Torghuts established the Kalmuck Khanate, which became a significant power in the area, engaging in both trade and military campaigns. Their presence in the region had a lasting impact on the demographics and political landscape, influencing the interactions between the various peoples of the Russian Empire and Central Asia.

Culture

The Torghuts, like other Oirat Mongols, were nomadic pastoralists. They had a rich cultural heritage that included traditional music, dance, and oral literature. Buddhism played a central role in their spiritual life, with the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism being particularly influential.

Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to the Torghuts in the 17th century and quickly became the dominant religion. The construction of Buddhist temples and the establishment of monastic communities were significant aspects of their cultural development during their time in the Volga region.

Language

The Torghuts spoke a dialect of the Oirat language, which belongs to the Mongolic language family. Oirat language and its script were important for the preservation of the Torghut's cultural and historical identity, especially in the face of the Russian cultural influence in the Volga region.

Modern Times

Today, the descendants of the Torghuts are primarily found in the Republic of Kalmykia, within the Russian Federation. Kalmykia is unique in Europe for its Buddhist majority, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Torghut migration and settlement in the region.

Despite the challenges of modernization and cultural assimilation, the Torghuts have preserved many aspects of their traditional culture, including their language, religion, and nomadic heritage. They continue to contribute to the cultural diversity of Russia and maintain connections with other Mongolic peoples across Asia.

See Also

• Oirat
• Kalmykia
• Dzungar Khanate
• Mongolic languages
• Tibetan Buddhism