Research on Inscriptions of Jin Dynasty in Mongolia.

• Project/Area Number: 16520460
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Archaeology
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: SHIRAISHI Noriyuki Niigata University, Institute of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Associate Professor, 人文社会・教育科学系, 助教授 (40262422)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): TSURUTA Kazuo Niigata University, Institute of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Professor, 人文社会・教育科学系, 教授 (40180062) ; MATSUDA Kouichi Osaka International University, Faculty of Management and Information Sciences, Professor, 経営情報学部, 教授 (70142304) ; YOSHIMOTO Chieko Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Faculty of Asia Pacific, Professor, アジア太平洋学部, 教授 (70331105)
• Project Period (FY): 2004 – 2005
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2005)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,700,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,700,000); Fiscal Year 2005: ¥1,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000); Fiscal Year 2004: ¥2,500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,500,000)
• Keywords: Mongolia / Jin dynasty / Serven Khaalga inscriptions / The Battle of Ulja River / Genghis Khan / Wangyang Xiang / Jurchen character / 金朝 / セルベン=ハールガ碑文 / 完顏襄

Research Abstract

The research carried out at Serven Khaalga, Eastern Mongolia. There are two stone inscriptions at Serven Khaalga mountain. These inscriptions were engraved by the Jurchen and the Chinese characters into two adjacent native rocks of granite. Both inscriptions are called as the nine peak cliff monuments which were written down the distinguished military service of a fight of Ulja River that happened in 1196. The inscriptions are very important for studying on the background of the growth of Genghis Khan. However the weathering gets worse under inferior environment and the collapse of inscriptions makes rapid progress. Protection measures are necessary as soon as possible.
The Jurchen inscription was introduced by a Mongolian linguist during 1980s. However, the writings had not been deciphered. The Chinese inscription was discovered by us in 1991. We made rubbed copies of the Jurchen inscriptions in 2001, and then, of the Chinese copies in 2004.
The Tatars betrayed the Jin. Genghis khan promptly decided to side with the Jin. The Jin secured victory due to the actions of Genghis Khan. This battle is the first evidence of Genghis khan that can be confirmed by documents in both the west and the east, and was later call the fight of Ulja River. Unfortunately, neither of these inscriptions mentions Genghis Khan. According to historical documents, however, by contributing to this victory, Genghis Khan was honored with the leader of 100 soldiers.
Depending on the researcher, the year that the battle happened is stated differently as 1194, 1195, 1196 and so on. By our investigations, it was finally clarified that the battle happened in 1196. The victory at the Ulja River led to a critical turning in Genghis Khan's life. It was the beginning of a prelude to the establishment of the Mongol empire in 1206.

Research Products

• [Book] チンギス・カン 〜蒼き狼の実像〜 (2006)
  • Author(s): 白石 典之
  • Total Pages: 236
  • Publisher: 中央公論新社
  • Description: 「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
• [Book] Chinggis Khan (2006)
  • Author(s): Noriyuki SHIRAISHI
  • Total Pages: 236
  • Publisher: Chuokoron Shinsha
  • Description: 「研究成果報告書概要(欧文)」より