Genghis Khan is both a hero and villain depending on who you are asking. He was an excellent ruler, and is responsible for establishing the powerful Mogul Dynasty. He was also the worst enemy anyone could face, what with him being a great tactician in the art of war. Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, you would applaud some of his greatest achievements.
1. Became a Prominent and Great Leader
From an associate of his father’s blood brother, Genghis Khan, born Temüjin, rose to power and soon became a prominent leader. Unlike other leaders, he doesn’t believe in the cruel treatment of his followers and always ensure that the defeated are taken care of. Because of this, he gained many followers even when he was defeated.
2. Created the World’s Largest Empire
Before Khan unified the Mongols, there were traditional divisions within the various tribes, and the only way to form alliances is through fixed marriages. But under his rule, he managed to unite the Mongols, destroying all and any existing divisions. Through his ability to form alliances, military skills, and an army of 80,000 well-trained soldiers, he formed the “first unified Mongol nation”. By conquering and ruling other tribes and nations, Khan’s rule stretched from China to Afghanistan, giving birth to the Mongol Empire.
3. Formed the Mongolian Race
Following the unification of the Mongolia plateau and the setting up of the Mongolian Empire, borders were broken and people were made to work and live together. This gradually led to the Mongolian characters being cultivated among the people, and the development of a common language. This is when Mongolia was born and became known as one tribe and race.
4. Created Yassa or Jasagh
Yassa is a civilian and military code of law that Khan created around 1190. It was intended to rule his subjects, but was never made public, for the reason that he wanted it changed whenever it is necessary.
5. Improved Mongolian Economy
With tribes separated by different beliefs, production capacity was dismally poor. This later changed after unification when inter-tribe wars stopped. The society flourished, animal husbandry was further improved, transfer of commodity was much safer and more frequent, and agriculture and the handicraft industry were promoted following the Jin Dynasty and West Xia Dynasty wars that brought craftsmen and advanced technology in Mongolia.
Around the world, he was credited for placing the Silk Road under a political environment that is united and cohesive. This resulted in increased trade and communication among Asia, West and Middle East.
6. Improved Culture in Mongolia
The creation of a common Mongolian language significantly increased the local culture. Combined with the creation of Yassa and the promulgation of corpus juris, the government finally had order.
As a means to improve and advance Mongolian culture, Khan emphasized on absorbing culture of learned people and other advanced nations. He practiced transferring artists, offering them office, so they contribute to the local culture. He collected talents from Han, Qidan and Uighur.
There may be mixed perceptions about Genghis Khan, especially in areas he conquered, but he will always be known as the man who unified Mongolia.