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CENGGÜNJABA’S WORSHIP: AN ANCIENT RITUAL IN MONGOLIA IN THE 19™ CENTURY
have been raided after he passed away. It must be reconsidered if there are any
doubts. [...]
After Guilun, the Vice-General for Pacifying the Eastern Frontier (Man. Hesei
taküraha hashü ergi aisilara jivanggiyun) had been informed that he could not make
a decision in this case, imperial court decided to dispatch Delegdorji (1834-1868),
who was the administrative Minister of Küriye (Mong. Küriyen-dü sayuju kereg
sidkegci sayid, beise). Then he came to Uliyasutai, inspected the case that already
judged by Ceringdorji, the League chairman of Sayin Noyan Confederate, Guilun,
the governor of Uliyasutai and his vice-minister, Lebin.
Only Ts. Sonomdagwa? mentioned this case based on the oral history that nar¬
rates among the banner subjects of Cenggünjaba. He used it as an interpretation of
why some Mongolian nobles had assimilated themselves as Manchu-Chinese. Sh.
Natsagdorj? accusingly added that Cenggiinjaba had been a traitor and a feudal. But
I have found different evidences. Before we proceed to find an answer of why the
head of Cenggiinjaba’s dead body was stolen 80 years after he had passed away, let’s
summarise his biography.
Political Rivals in Khalkha in the 18 Century
There were two main political factions in Outer Mongolia in the second half of
the 18" century. One was led by Sanjaidorji (1735-1778), the imperial son-in-law
and a second grade prince who grew up in the Palace of the Qing Emperor. He
was not only a trusted man of Qianlong emperor (1736-1796), but also the most
meritorious Khalkha noble. Tiisiyetii qan Cedendorji, Sandubdorji a first grade
duke, beise Sundubdorji (d.1799), were his confederates. His political rivals were
led by Cenggiinjaba (d. 1771) who was famous for his political and military me¬
rits in the Qing empire in the position of the Governor General of Uliyasutai or
the Vice-General for Pacifying Eastern Frontiers. A man who was in favour him
called Sundubdorji, was the treasurer of the “Great Disciples” (Mo. yeke sabi). Dur¬
ing the Mongol Uprising led by Cenggiinjaba (1710-1756)* of Khotogoid, both
Sanjaidorji and Cenggiinjaba remained loyal to the Qing court. Whereas Sanjaidorji
born with Manchu imperial blood thereby strongly supported by the Manchu em¬
peror, Cenggiinjaba could aquired the nobles’ favour as well as he won the emperor’s
2 Conomyarsa .: Moneon yacbin sacae 3axupeaanvı 30xuon 6aueyynanmbın GODUJNONM wungaunanm
>
(1691-1997). YnaanOaatap 1998, 176-179.
Hauarxopx, IL: Xarxein myyx. Ynaan6aatap 1963.
According to the study by O. Oyunjargal, both a prince of Khotogoid and a prince of Khalkha had
the same name: Cenggiinjaba. Since Cenggiinjaba of the Khotogoid violated against imperial policy,
the Qing court changed his name as Cinggunjaba because of prohibition and differentiated it from
the name of loyal general, Cenggiinjaba (ca. 1705-1771). See more OroyHxxapran, O.: Maroxuiin
xaaH 6a MOHTOJI HOEHBI xapuıılaa: XOTOTOHNBIH HOËJIBIH XKHIII39r39p. // XVII-XX 3yyHbi 3X3H VEUÜH
Moneonoin myyxuün cydaneaa. IIYA Tyyxnün xyp3912H. VraanGaatap 2011, 55-70.
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