321) Currency & Coinage of Mongolia: Togrog or Tugrik and Mongo (Part I): Evolution of the Coinage of Mongolia & the spread of Buddhism:

321) Currency & Coinage of Mongolia: Togrog or Tugrik and Mongo (Part I): Evolution of the Coinage of Mongolia & the spread of Buddhism:

(For Part II of this post: Currency & Coinage of Mongolia: Togrog or Tugrik and Mongo: Historical Development of the Banknotes of Mongolia, please click on the following link:  Historical Development of the Banknotes of Mongolia)

The Togrog or Tugrik is the currency of Mongolia, subdivided into 100 Mongo.

The word “Togrog” means a “circle” or “circular object” (in the case of coinage, meaning a “round coin”). Owing to inflationary pressures, Mongo coins are no longer in circulation as legal tender, as they have negligible value.

In 1260, the World’s first Banknotes were issued in Mongolia upon the establishment of the Great Yuan Dynasty.

About Mongolia:

Mongolia is bordered by China to the South and Russia to the North. It is about 37 km distant from Kazakhstan.

Mongolia is the 19^th largest and one of the most sparsely populated independent countries in the World. The country is also the world’s second largest land-locked Nation, having very little arable land, with much of its area being covered by grass steppe and mountains to the North and West and the Gobi Desert to the South.

Its capital is Ulaanbaatar (also spelt as “Ulan Bator”) which also accounts for about 45% of Mongolia’s total population of about 3,100,000 (Buddhism 53%, Shamanism 4% and Islam 3%).

Present day Mongolian territory was ruled by various nomadic empires, including the Xiongnu (formed around 209 BC), the Xianbei, the Rouran, and the Turkic Khaganate etc.

In 1206, Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire and his grandson Kublai Khan conquered China to establish the Yuan Dynasty.

After the disintegration of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongols retreated to Mongolia.

In the 16^th Century, Altan Khan (1507-1582) helped introduce Buddhism in Mongolia after he met the Dalai Lama in 1578 (Dalai Lama is a monk of the “Gelug” or “Yellow Hat” School of Tibetan Buddhism – Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama reigned from 1391 to 1474. The present Dalai Lama is the 14^th Tenzing Gyatso currently in exile in India).

Abtai Khan of the Khalka converted to Buddhism and founded the “Erdene Zuu” monastery in 1585. His grandson Zanabazar became the first “Jebtsundamba Khutughtu” (meaning “Mongolian Holy Precious Master”) in 1640. He was identified as the reincarnation of the scholar “Taranatha” of the Jonang School of Tibetan Buddhism. Zanabazar was the son of the Tusheet Khan Gombodorj and himself became the spiritual head of the Khalkha Mongols.

In 1691, Mongolia, which was once a mighty empire that conquered China and extended as far as Hungary, came under the rule of the Manchus. Around this time, Tibetan Buddhism had spread in Mongolia and was also promoted by the Manchu–founded Qing Dynasty which absorbed Mongolia.

By the 1900s, almost one-third of the male population were Buddhist monks.

On 30.11.1911, at the time of disintegration of the Qing Dynasty, the Mongols established the “Temporary Government of Khalka”, before the abdication of the last Qing emperor and the establishment of the Republic of China.

On 29.12.1911, after the “National Revolution of 1911”, Mongolia declared independence from the Qing Dynasty.

The Revolution of 1921, with Russian support, led to Mongolia asserting its independence and becoming a People’s Republic.

Between 1921 and 1925, the currency of Mongolia was the Mongolian dollar. The denominations issued were – 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. It was intended to replace the Chinese Yuan at par, but the currency had little value.

In 1924, the Mongolian People’s Republic was declared a Soviet Satellite State and Banknotes, including more denominations were printed comprising Banknote denominations of 50 cents, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 25 dollars, but were not issued due to their insignificant value.

On 09.12.1925, Togrog was created as the national currency which replaced the Mongolian dollar and all other circulating currencies. From 1925, coins based on the “Togrog” or “Tugrik” of 100 Mongo were issued, with the National Emblem, followed by communist symbols in 1945 when Mongolia severed its last links with China.

From 01.04.1928, the Togrog became the sole circulating currency.

In 1926, the first silver coin was released into circulation.

The collapse of Communism led to the creation of the Democratic State of Mongolia in 1990.

By the early 1990s, Mongolia underwent a peaceful democratic revolution which led to a “multi-party system” and a new Constitution in 1992

Since 1994, coins have reverted to the Emblem of the 1920s.

While coins in general circulation are inscribed in Mongol, in both the indigenous script and a modified form of Cyrillic, special issues are invariably inscribed in English.

About the evolution of the Bank of Mongolia:

In 1924, Mongolian and former Soviet joint venture, The Trade and Industry Bank of Mongolia (later the State Bank of Mongolia) was founded.

The main functions of the Bank of Mongolia were circulating the Mongolian National currency, Togrog, financing trade activities, regulation of supply and prices of products, issuance of loans to business entities due to monetary reform in 1920. Mongolian officers constituted about 20% while the former Soviet Union officials accounted for 80%.

In 1950, the structure of the Bank of Mongolia was expanded, local branches were established and staff was trained by former Soviet officers and the number of Mongolian officers rose to 98%.

In 1954, the Trade and Industry Bank of Mongolia was re-established as the State Bank of Mongolia when the former Soviet Union transferred its own shares of stock to the State of Mongolia.

In 1991, political, social and economic reforms were introduced and the Bank Charter Act and Law of Mongolia on Banking was enacted and a two-tier Banking system was put in place.

In 1993, The Bank of Mongolia enacted the first Banking Sector Supervision Act.

31 Commercial Banks were established, a number which was later reduced to 17 for reasons of defaults, failure to meet initial capital stock requirement, merging and liquidation.

As of 2014, 14 Banks and around 1500 branches are running operations in all the administrative units, cities and local areas of Mongolia.

Coins:

During Socialism (the People’s Republic of Mongolia), the Togrog coin denominations were 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 Mongo and 1 Togrog.

 1925 Series of Coins:

In the 1925 Series, 1 and 5 Mongo coins (both in copper), 10 and 20 Mongo coins (both in 0.5 silver) 50 Mongo coins and 1 Togrog coins (0.90 silver) were circulated. On the Obverse these coins had the “Soyombo” symbol and depicted the denominational value on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in the Soviet Union and issued in the Mongolian Calendar Year 15 and the language used was Mongolian. These coins were recalled in 1950 and became worthless since 1970

                An illustration of the "Soyombo" symbol

The “Soyombo” Symbol:  The “Soyombo” is a special character out of the Mongolian script that was invented by Zanabazar in 1686.

The term “Soyombo” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Swayambhu” (meaning “created by itself”). It serves as a National Symbol of Mongolia and is found on the Flag and the Coat of Arms of Mongolia and on many other official documents.

In the “Soyombo” script, the two variations of the “Soyombo” symbol are used to mark the beginning and end of a text. It is possible that the symbol predates the script.

The elements in the symbol have the following significance –

- Fire is a general symbol of eternal growth, wealth and success. The three tongues of the flame represent the past, present and future.

-  Sun and Moon symbolise that the Mongolian Nation will exist till eternity as the eternal blue sky. Mongolian symbol of the Sun, Moon and fire is derived from the “Xiongnu”.

(The “Xiongnu” were a large confederation of Eurasian nomads who dominated the Asian Steppe from the late 3^rd Century BC to the late 1^st Century AD. The Empire created by Modu Chanyu, the supreme leader lasted from 209 BC to 93 AD. The Empire stretched beyond the borders of modern-day Mongolia. The Empire was active in Southern Siberia, Mongolia, Gansu and Xinjiang and there were repeated military conflicts with the Chinese dynasties alternating with peace overtures. Some hypotheses suggest that they could have been synonymous with the Huns.)

- The two triangles allude to the point of an arrow or spear. They point downward to announce the defeat of interior and exterior enemies.

- The two horizontal rectangles give stability to the round shape.  The rectangular shape represents the honesty and justice of the people of Mongolia, whether they stand at the top or at the bottom of society.

- The “arga-bilge” (Yin-Yang) symbol illustrates the mutual complement of man and woman. In Socialist times, it was alternatively interpreted as the walls of a fort. They represent unity and strength, relating to a Mongolian proverb: “The friendship of two is stronger than stone walls”.

1937 Series of Coins:

In the 1937 Series, 1 and 5 Mongo coins (both in Aluminium Bronze), 10 and 20 Mongo coins (both in Cupro-nickel) were circulated. On the Obverse, they depicted the Mongolian Emblem & the country name “People’s Republic of Mongolia” and had the denominational value on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in the Soviet Union and issued in the Mongolian Calendar Year 27 and the language used was Mongolian. These coins were recalled in 1960 and became worthless since 1970.

1945 Series of Coins:

In the 1945 Series, 1 and 5 Mongo coins (both in Aluminium Bronze), 10 and 20 Mongo coins (both in Cupro-nickel) were circulated. On the Obverse, they depicted the Mongolian Emblem & the country name “People’s Republic of Mongolia” and had the denominational value on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in the Soviet Union and issued in the Mongolian Calendar Year 35 and the language used was Cyrillic. These coins were recalled in 1970 and became worthless since then.

1959 Series of Coins:

In the 1959 Series, all denominations issued earlier were minted in Aluminium. On the Obverse, they depicted the Mongolian Emblem & the country name “People’s Republic of Mongolia” and had the denominational value on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in the People’s Republic of China and issued in the Mongolian Calendar Year 27 and the language used was Cyrillic. These coins were recalled in 1990 and became worthless since then.

1970, 1977, 1980 & 1981 Series of Coins:

In the 1970, 1977, 1980 & 1981 Series of Coins, 1 and 5, Mongo coins were minted in aluminium and 10 and 50 Mongo coins were minted in cupro-nickel. On the Obverse, they depicted the Mongolian Emblem & the country name “People’s Republic of Mongolia” and had the denominational value on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in East Germany (1970 & 1977) and in Mongolia (1980 & 1981). The language used was Cyrillic.

Presently circulating Coin Series:

Presently, the Mongo coin denominations are no longer in circulation owing to inflationary pressures and only the larger Togrog denominations are in circulation, which are 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Togrog:

On the Obverse of the 20 Togrog Coin, the denominational value is depicted “20” together with the name of the issuing Bank.

                     Obverse of the 20 Togrog coin

On the Reverse of the 20 Togrog Coin is depicted the “Soyombo symbol”.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metallic composition: Aluminium; Diameter: 17.5 mm; Thickness: 1.50 mm; Weight: 0.78 gms; Edge: Milled.  Year of first minting: 1994.

On the Obverse of the 50 Togrog Coin, the denominational value is depicted “50” together with the name of the issuing Bank.

                      Obverse of the 50 Togrog coin
On the Reverse of the 50 Togrog Coin is depicted the “Soyombo symbol”.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metallic composition: Aluminium; Diameter: 23.0 mm; Thickness: 1.80 mm; Weight: 16.80 gms; Edge: Milled.  Year of first minting: 1994.

On the Obverse of the 100 Togrog Coin, the denominational value is depicted “100” together with the Janraisig Temple.

 Obverse of the 100 Togrog coin showing the denomination of the coin "100" & Janraisig Temple
On the Reverse of the 100 Togrog Coin is depicted the “Soyombo symbol”.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metallic composition: Cupro-Nickel; Diameter: 22.0 mm; Thickness: 1.50 mm; Weight: 3.84 gms; Edge: Milled.  Year of first minting: 1994.

On the Obverse of the 200 Togrog Coin, the denominational value is depicted “200” together with the Government House.

 Obverse of the 200 Togrog coin showing the denomination of the coin "200" & the Government House
On the Reverse of the 200 Togrog Coin is depicted the “Soyombo symbol”.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metallic composition: Cupro-Nickel; Diameter: 25.0 mm; Thickness: 1.70 mm; Weight: 6.20 gms; Edge: Milled.  Year of first minting: 1994.

On the Obverse of the 500 Togrog Coin, the denominational value is depicted “500” together with the Soyombo symbol.

 Obverse of the 100 Togrog coin showing the denomination of the coin "500" & the Soyombo symbol
On the Reverse of the 500 Togrog Coin is depicted the Damdin Sukhbaatar.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metallic composition: Cupro-Nickel; Diameter: 22.0 mm; Thickness: 1.50 mm; Weight: 3.84 gms; Edge: Milled.  Year of first minting: 1994.

Damdin Sukhbaatar (02.02.1893 – 20.02.1923): He was a founding member of the Mongolian People’s Party and leader of the Mongolian Partisan Army that liberated “Khuree” (present day the Mongolian capital city of  “Ulaanbaatar”, meaning “Red Hero”, which is named after him), during the Outer Mongolian Revolution of 1921.

Enshrined as the “Father of Mongolia’s Revolution” he is remembered as one of the most important figures in Mongolia’s struggle for Independence.

The Order of Sukhbaatar is the highest decoration of the Mongolian State. A statue of Sukhbaatar stands at Sukhbaatar Square in front of the Government building in Ulaanbaatar. Other places named after him include Sukhbaatar Province, the capital of Selenge Province, and a district of Ulaanbaatar.

 Mongolian Banknotes between 5 and 100 Togrog (1993 series) depict a portrait of Sukhbaatar with the higher denominations bearing the portrait of Genghis Khan.

Commemorative & Circulating coins:

Mongolia has also produced a vast number of special coins, ranging from the Chinese New Year to the Japanese Royal Wedding of 1993.

In 1971, one Togrog coins were issued in Aluminium bronze, Cupro-nickel, silver or gold and in 1981 in Aluminium bronze depicting the Coat of arms, country name and denominational value on the Obverse and Damdin Sukhbaatar on a horse on the Reverse.

These coins were minted in East Germany (1971) and in Mongolia (1981). The language used was Cyrillic.

From 1981-1988, one Togrog coins with various commemorative subjects were minted in Aluminium Bronze depicting the Coat of arms, country name and denominational value on the Obverse and 6 designs on – Karl Marx, Soviet-Mongolian Space Flight etc – on the Reverse.

In 2008, in the Beijing Summer Olympics, Mongolian athletes won two silver medals (Boxing & Shooting), and two gold medals (Boxing & Judo). These were the first gold Medals in Mongolia’s Olympic history.

Also in the Paralympics Games they won a Gold Medal in Archery.

All five champions were honoured with Gold Commemorative coins for the 3 sports disciplines – Boxing (1000 Togrog), Judo (1000 Togrog) and Archery (500 Togrog) and five silver coins (500 Togrog each).   

The above is an image showing all the five silver coins & three gold coins issued to commemorate the achievements of the Olympic champions in 2008 Beijing Olympics. 

In the prestigious Krause Publications Annual World Coin Competition “Coin Of The Year” (COTY) Awards 2015, Mongolia  were the winners in the "Most Innovative Coin Category". Their entry was Mongolian Nature Wolf 500 Togrog Silver Gilded coin.
 
This Mongolian coin shows an extraordinary piece of minted silver. Through the use of modern cutting edge technology/method, a very advanced and innovative “cut-out” coin design was created.

Both the Obverse and Reverse sides present mirror images of a howling wolf. On the Obverse is mentioned the denomination of the coin “500 Togrog” towards the centre and the name of the Country “MONGOLIA” on the lower periphery. On the Reverse face “MONGOLIAN NATURE 2013” is mentioned on the centre-left periphery.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal composition: .925 gilded silver; Weight: ½ oz; Diameter: 38.61 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 2500 pieces. Face value: 500 Togrog.

The Mongolian Wolf, with a body length of up to 140 cms and a shoulder height of up to 90 cm is a ferocious animal. It is a mammal living in a pack and it has the capability of catching its prey at an impressive speed of 60 km per hour. In order to meet its daily requirement of nutrition, it needs about 4 kgs of meat. These wolves hunt deer and smaller animals like rabbits and mice.

Wolves have a distinct social behaviour. The pups are not only raised by their mothers but also by other members of the pack as well. These predators can communicate by means of various signals such as their tail posture or ruffling up their fur. They can also use their ears by posturing and communicating various signals. The wolf which is common in Mongolia belongs to the genus of Tibetan wolves and are presently listed as an endangered species.

Some interesting coin issues of 2016:

Chinggis Khaan –Gold & Silver coins:

The latest coins to honour Chinggis Khaan combine classic design with state-of-the art technology.

In 2016, a Gold coin titled “Chhingis Khaan” has been brought out. The face value of this coin is 1000 Togrog.

Specifications: The metal composition is .9999 Gold. Its size is 11.00 mm and weight is 0.5 gms. Coin Quality is Proof. Mintage is limited to 5000 coins.

 The 2016 edition of the silver coin also titled “Chhingis Khaan” too has a face value of 1000 Togrog.

Specifications: The metal composition is .999 Silver. Its size is 38.61 mm and its weight is 1 oz. Coin Quality is Proof and only a limited number of 1000 coins have been minted.

Both these coins are Ultra High relief and are technical masterpieces having been made through the “smartminting” process.

Mongolian Nature 2016 – Owl:

 After the “Howling Wolf” innovative coin of 2013, Mongolia has continued with the “Mongolian Nature Series”. Depicted on this coin is the powerful Mongolian owl, perched high on a branch watching a sickle-shaped moon rising in the night sky and perhaps listening to the “howling wolf” in the distance. This new coin is also expertly cut and represents a true scene of wild Mongolian nature. The face value of this coin is 500 Togrog.

Specifications: The metal composition is .925 Silver. Its size is 38.61 mm and Coin Quality is Brilliant Uncirculated (BU). Mintage is limited to 2500 pieces.
Posted on 17.07.2016:

"Wildlife Protection Series" - The Saker Falcon:

The latest issue of the award-winning "Wildlife Protection Series" created by Coin invest Trust for Mongolia depicts the Saker Falcon.

In this series, the bird’s eyes are original SWAROWSKI ELEMENTS inlays. The coin’s brilliance, great detail and relief height are breathtaking achievements, thanks to the smartminting technology. 

An image of the Obverse of the 500 Togrog coin showing the Soyombo symbol

The Obverse of the 500 Togrog coin shows the State Emblem Soyombo, with the denominational value “500” Torpor (meaning “Togrog”). 

On the bottom periphery is inscribed the weight and silver composition of the coin “MONGOLIA 1OZ .999 SILVER”. The dimensions of this coin are 38.61 mm and its mintage is limited to 2500 pieces.

 An image of the Reverse of the 500 Togrog coin showing the head and shoulders of a Saker Falcon

The Reverse of the 500 Togrog coin shows the head of a Saker Falcon, whose eyes are made of black SWAROWSKI ELEMENTS inlays, in high relief.

The gold coin depicts the head and shoulders of a Saker Falcon on a polished surface, facing right. Inscribed along the upper periphery are “WILDLIFE PROTECTION – SAKER FALCON” and the year of issue.

About the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug):

The “Saker” falcon:  This is a large species of falcon which breeds from Eastern Europe across Asia to Manchuria. It is chiefly migratory except in the Southernmost part of its range and winters in Ethiopia, the Arab Peninsula, northern Pakistan and Western China. The name “Saker” is derived from the Arabic term “Saqr” meaning “falcon” and the Hindi word “cherrug” distorted from “Charg” meaning a “female Saker”.

 

It is the National Bird of Mongolia. Its agility and deftness renders it as one of the most successful predators of the steppes and semi-deserts. It stoops for prey, often small mammals and birds, from heights up to 150 metres. If the impact does not kill the victims, the falcon does, with a well-directed bite.

The Saker Falcon has been used for hunting by faulkners and is regarded as a prestigious status symbol and a popular hunting companion even today.

Today it is IUCN’s list of Threatened Species because of its illegal poaching by amateur falconers. 

These coins have been minted by B.H. Mayer’s Kunstprageanstalt GmbH.

Emblem of Mongolia:

                      The National Emblem of Mongolia
On 25.03.1992, the National Emblem of Mongolia was adopted when the Communist government was ousted from power.

The description is as under:

Armiger: Mongolia

Escutcheon: The outer rim features a “tumen nasan” (symbolising eternity), surrounding a blue field which symbolises the sky.

On the centre of the field is a combination of the “Soyombo” symbol and the “wind horse” (treasured steed), symbolising Mongolia’s independence, sovereignty, and spirit.

The Sun, Moon and Fire symbols are derived from the “Xiongnu”.

Above the field is a “Cintamani” in blue, green and red colours (derived from the Sanskrit term “Chintamani” which means a “wish-fulfilling stone”), representing the Buddhist Three Jewels, which in Mongolian legends grant three wishes”.

Below the Central Emblem is a “green mountain range”, with the “Wheel of Dharma” at the centre.

Above the mountain range and draping the Wheel is a “Khadag” (meaning a “ceremonial scarf”).

“Cintamani”:

   The above is an image of a symbolic "Mani stone"

“Cintamani” or “Chintamani” (in Sanskrit & Devnagri) is a wish fulfilling jewel in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is one of the several Mani Jewel symbolisms found in Buddhist scripture.

In Buddhism, it is held by Bodhisattvas – Avalokiteshvara and Ksitigarbha. It is also carried upon the back of the “Lung Fa” (or the wind horse) which is depicted on Tibetan prayer flags.

By reciting the “dharani” (“ritual speech”, “incantation” or “mantra”) Buddhists believe that one attains the wisdom of the Buddha and turns afflictions into “Bodhi”. It is also believed that one can see the Holy retinue of Buddha and his Assembly upon one’s death-bed.

The Cintamani is also depicted by some Buddhist traditions as a luminous pearl which is in the possession of several different forms of the Buddha.

In Hinduism, it is associated with the Gods Vishnu and Ganesh. It is believed to be a fabulous jewel in possession of the “Naga” king or on the forehead of the “Makara” (a “Sea-Creature” depicted as half terrestrial animal in the frontal part – stag, deer, crocodile or elephant – and half aquatic animal in the hind part – a fish or seal tail etc, - It is considered to be the “Vahana” (meaning “Vehicle”) of the River Goddess Ganga). The Chintamani bestows prosperity upon its owner.

Past emblems:

From 1924 to 1939, the Emblem was only the “Soyombo”. In 1939, the branches of ‘Nelumbo” (“Nelumbo” is a genus of aquatic plants with large showy flowers, commonly called the “Lotus”. “Nelumbo” is derived from a Sinhalese word “Nilum”) after the “Battle of Khalkhyn Gol” (which resulted in a Soviet and Mongolian victory and the Japanese Sixth army attack was halted & a cease-fire agreement was signed. “Khalkhyn” is the river which passes through the battlefield.)

Soyombo emblem of the People’s Republic of Mongolia – 02.12.1924 to 14.03.1939

Soyombo emblem of the People’s Republic of Mongolia – 1939 to 1941, bearing leaves of the Nelumbo after the “Battle of Khalkhyn Gol”
Before 1961, the emblem did not bear most of the socialist symbols. The horseman carried a long lasso pole and the heads of four types of herd animals were shown on the sides.

A red ribbon at the lower end bore the name of the country in traditional Mongolian alphabet between 1939 and 1941 with the Cyrillic abbreviation from 1941 to 1960.

        Emblem of the Peoples Republic of Mongolia 1940-1941

 Emblem of the People’s Republic of Mongolia 01.11.1941 to 05.03.1960

From 06.03.1960 to 25.03.1992, the Mongolian People’s Republic used an emblem of very similar shape, but with differing elements, instead of the Wind Horse, a horseman on a normal horse is shown. In the background, the sun rises above the mountains. The Buddhist symbols are replaced by symbols of Socialism. A gearwheel stands for industrialisation, sheaves around the left and right peripheries stand for the farming class and on the top is shown a red star with a Socialist version of Soyombo.

Along the bottom, a blue-red ribbon is placed in front of the gearwheel with the name “Mongolian People’s Republic” written in Cyrillic

    Emblem of the People’s Republic of Mongolia from 06.03.1960 to 25.03.1992

A brief about Buddhism in Mongolia:

The earliest introduction of Buddhism into the Mongolian steppes took place during the periods of pre-Mongol states through Nepal via Central Asia. Many Buddhist terms of Sanskrit origin were adopted via the Sogdian language. The rulers of the pre- and para - Mongol states – Xiongnu, Xianbei, Rouran, Khaganate and Gokturks received Buddhist missionaries and built temples for them.

In the 16^th Century, Altan Khan (1507-1582) helped introduce Buddhism in Mongolia after he met the Dalai Lama in 1578 (Dalai Lama is a monk of the gelug or “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism, Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama reigned from 1391 to 1474. The present Dalai Lama is the 14^th Tenzing Gyatso currently in exile in India).

 Abtai Khan of the Khalka converted to Buddhism and founded the Erdene Zuu Monastery in 1585.

In 1640, his grandson Zanabazar became the first “Jebtsundamba Khutughtu” (meaning “Mongolian Holy Precious Master”). He was identified as the reincarnation of the scholar “Taranatha” of the Jonang School of Tibetan Buddhism. Zanabazar was the son of the Tusheet Khan Gombodorj and himself became the spiritual head of the Khalkha Mongols.

Following the rulers, the entire Mongolian population embraced Buddhism. Each family kept scriptures and Buddha statues on an altar at the North side of their “Ger” (yurt) – (explained in Part II of this post). Mongolian nobles donated land, money and herders to the Monasteries. The Monasteries now wielded great temporal power in addition to spiritual power.

Buddhist monks carried out a protracted struggle with the indigenous shamans and succeeded largely in taking over their functions and fees as healers and diviners and pushing the shamans to the fringes of Mongolian culture and religion.

By the 1920s there were over 112,000 Mongolian Buddhist monks representing 13% of the population.

By the 1940s, nearly every monk was dead or had apostatized. The monks were accused of cooperating with the Japanese in promoting a pan-Mongol puppet State and the remaining monasteries were dissolved, their property seized and their monks secularised, interned or executed. Monastic buildings which were not destroyed were taken over to serve as local government offices or schools.

The ruling party since 1921 had succeeded in systematically destroying Buddhism in Mongolia, so much so, that by the late 1940s only one Monastery – Gandan Monastery with a community of 100 monks was open in Ulaanbataar which was kept open by the administration primarily for “International display”.

After the 1990 overthrow of communism, there has been a resurgence of Buddhism in Mongolia with around 200 temples/monasteries now in existence and around 53% Mongolians identifying themselves as Buddhists.