17TH-CENTURY MANCHU (QING) RECORDS AS SOURCES OF MONGOLIAN HISTORY

Abstract

This paper makes an attempt to call attention and point to the importance of Manchu historical records, but at the same time warns against the pitfalls of uncritical utilisation of these historical sources ( the possibility of falsification and the fabrication of historical material). The authors focus on volume 20 of the Qinzhengpingdingshuo-mofanglue (Beye dailame wargi amargi babe necihiyeme toktobuha bodogon i bithe. orici debtelin) written in Manchu. This Manchu historical document is of prime importance in the historical enquiry of the period. It gives a clear picture of the military strategy of the time and provides accurate facts concerning the exact names of persons and places, the system of administration, wartime munitions mobilisation, and much more.