Upper Mongols

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Kircher Dalai Lama

Mongolia XVII

Upper Mongols refer to the groups of Mongol people who inhabit regions historically known as Inner Mongolia, part of modern-day China, and parts of Mongolia itself. This term distinguishes them from the Mongols living in the southern part of Mongolia, often referred to as the Lower Mongols. The distinction between Upper and Lower Mongols is not only geographical but also encompasses differences in culture, language, and historical development.

History

The history of the Upper Mongols is deeply intertwined with the history of the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous empire in world history. After the death of Genghis Khan, the empire was divided among his heirs, leading to the formation of several khanates. The territory of the Upper Mongols eventually became part of the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, which significantly influenced their culture and social structure.

During the Qing rule, the Upper Mongols enjoyed a degree of autonomy, maintaining their nomadic lifestyle and social systems. However, the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century led to significant changes. The region of Inner Mongolia saw attempts at independence, conflict, and eventually the establishment of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region within the People's Republic of China in 1947.

Culture

The culture of the Upper Mongols is characterized by their nomadic heritage, with a strong emphasis on livestock herding, including horses, camels, sheep, and goats. Traditional yurts (portable tents) are a common feature of Upper Mongol life, reflecting their nomadic traditions.

Mongolian, in its various dialects, remains the primary language among the Upper Mongols. The script has undergone changes, with the traditional Mongolian script being replaced by the Cyrillic alphabet in Mongolia after Soviet influence, while in Inner Mongolia, the traditional script is still in use.

Religion plays a significant role in the culture of the Upper Mongols, with Tibetan Buddhism being the predominant faith, alongside shamanistic practices that predate Buddhism.

Economic Activities

The economy of the Upper Mongols is traditionally based on pastoral nomadism, with livestock herding forming the backbone of their livelihood. In recent decades, there has been a push towards urbanization and industrialization, especially in Inner Mongolia, where mining has become a significant industry due to the region's rich mineral resources.

Challenges

The Upper Mongols face several challenges today, including issues related to environmental degradation, such as desertification, which threatens their traditional nomadic lifestyle. Additionally, the rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization in Inner Mongolia has led to cultural and social tensions between the Mongol minority and the Han Chinese majority.

Conclusion

The Upper Mongols have a rich cultural heritage and history, marked by their nomadic traditions, language, and religion. Despite the challenges of modernization and environmental issues, they continue to maintain their identity and way of life in the face of changing times.