Interpretation of the Newly Discovered Uighur-Mongolian Inscription on the Arshan Cliff

Abstract

The paper deals with a newly discovered Mongolian inscription on the rock wall in Arshan area of Inner Mongolia, which is ’tngri γaǰar-un bičig’ (‘A text of the heaven and earth’). Due to Uighur Mongolian writing features and contents, it can be concluded the inscription was made in the 13th-14th centuries. Its location may also indicate some ties with the period preceding the establishment of the Mongol Empire. The article describes the current state of the inscription, attempts to interpret the text and characterize the circumstances of its creation in general, thus making suggestions as to who, when and what for made the inscription. Still, as of today the available data is not sufficient enough and further research is required. And, finally, the paper mentions that the whole area is associated with Genghis Khan’s youngest brother - Temüge Otčigin and his progeny, which again implies the inscription can be dated back to the initial stage of the making of the Mongol Empire.