From Temūcīn to Cingiz Khān: The Akbarnama's Divine Narrative
Published on 7/29/2024
The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign, delves deep into history to establish the Emperor's illustrious lineage. It doesn't just list names; it weaves a narrative steeped in divine purpose, tracing a 'Light' through generations. Central to this early history is the figure of Temūcīn, who would become the legendary Cingiz Khān.
The Lineage of Light: From Ālanquwā to Temūcīn
The Akbarnama begins its account of this branch of the family with the story of Ālanquwā, a lady of the Nairūn tribe, whose conception of three sons was marked by a miraculous 'shining light' entering her tent. Her descendants, including Būzanjar Qāān and Tūmana Khān, were considered the noblest among the Mughuls, known as Nairūn, meaning 'light-produced'.
Tūmana Khān had two sons, Qabal and Qācūlī Bahadur. A prophetic dream seen by Qācūlī Bahadur foretold the rise of great princes from Qabal's line, culminating in a world-conquering king (interpreted as Cingiz Khān), and a series of dominant descendants from his own line, leading to a figure of world-wide sovereignty (interpreted as Timur). This dream established a covenant between the brothers, with Qabal's line holding the Khanate and Qācūlī's serving as Commander-in-Chief.
Temūcīn, born in 549 AH (1155 AD), is presented as the fulfillment of the fourth star emerging from Qabal Khān's breast in Qācūlī's dream. His horoscope was seen as highly significant, with the seven planets in Libra.
Early Struggles and the Path to Power
Temūcīn's early life was far from easy. After the death of his father, Yesugai Bahādur, the Nairūn tribe deserted him, leaving him entangled in difficulties. He faced numerous challenges and waged war against various tribes like the Jāmūqa and Tāijūt.
His fortunes began to shift when, on the advice of Qarācār Nūyān (a descendant of Qācūlī Bahadur's line, upholding the covenant), he allied himself with Āvang Khān, the chief of the Kerāyat tribe, also known in medieval Europe as Prester John. Temūcīn proved his excellence, gaining favour that unfortunately stirred jealousy among Āvang Khān's own officers.
This jealousy, particularly from Jāmūqa and Āvang Khān's son Sankū, led to conflict. Despite facing betrayal and opposition, Temūcīn, guided by Qarācār Nūyān, escaped danger and twice defeated Āvang Khān in battle.
The Title of Cingiz Khān and World Conquest
At the age of 49 or 50, in Ramazān 599 AH (May-June 1203 AD), Temūcīn attained the rank of a sovereign. Three years into his reign, a seer named But Tengri was inspired to give him the title of Cingiz Khān, meaning 'king of kings'.
From this point, his power grew exponentially. He acquired sway over vast territories, including Cathay, Khotan, Northern and Southern China (Cīn ū Mācīn), the desert of Qiboāq, Bulgaria, Russia, and Ālân. He organized his burgeoning empire by assigning different responsibilities – feasts and hunting, judiciary, government, and military affairs – to his four sons: Jūjī, Caghatāī, Okadāi, and Toli.
His campaigns continued, notably against Sultān Muhammad, the king of Khwārizm, leading to widespread destruction. He pursued Jalāla-d-dīn Mangbarni up to the banks of the Indus.
Death and Abu'l Fazl's Interpretation
Cingiz Khān died in the year of the Hog, 624 AH (1227 AD), near Tangüt, at the age of 72. His death was kept secret until the conquest of Tangüt was complete, and his body was returned to his great camp near a tree he had chosen for his grave. Abu'l Fazl notes the strange mystery of his tomb becoming hidden by the tree's growth, seeing it as a sign of Divine protection.
Abu'l Fazl offers a profound interpretation of Cingiz Khān's role. While the common view might see him as an instrument of Divine wrath, the 'far-reading view of the wise' recognizes him as an 'emanation of Divine blessings'. This perspective aligns with the Akbarnama's overarching theme: that human government is a reflection of Divine justice, and even seemingly destructive events serve deeper spiritual principles, all part of the grand preparation for the 'apparition of the consummation of all degrees, spiritual and temporal' in the person of Emperor Akbar.
Cingiz Khān's story, as told in the Akbarnama, is thus more than just a historical account of conquest. It is framed as a crucial stage in a divinely guided lineage, a necessary step in the unfolding of a cosmic plan that would ultimately lead to the reign of Akbar, the 'king of kings'. This framing elevates history, imbuing it with spiritual significance and connecting the distant past directly to the present glory of the Mughal Empire.
Why Does This History Matter Today?
Understanding how texts like the Akbarnama frame historical figures reveals much about the worldview of the time. It shows how history was not just recorded but interpreted through philosophical and theological lenses. Abu'l Fazl's portrayal of Cingiz Khān challenges simplistic good-vs-evil narratives, urging a deeper look at the perceived 'Divine strategy' behind world events. It reminds us that historical accounts are often shaped by the purpose and perspective of the chronicler, offering valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual currents of their era. Preserving and studying these narratives allows us to appreciate the complex ways in which past societies understood themselves and their place in the world.