All questions of Nomadic Empires for Humanities/Arts Exam

The Mongols and their Lifestyle

The Mongols were a nomadic people who lived in the vast grasslands of Central Asia. They were known for their exceptional skills in horse riding and warfare. The Mongols were highly mobile, and their way of life revolved around herding livestock and moving from place to place in search of grazing lands. This nomadic lifestyle shaped their identity and had a significant impact on their social structure and military strategies.

1. Pastoralists
The Mongols were primarily pastoralists, which means they relied on raising and herding livestock for their livelihood. They moved their herds of horses, sheep, goats, and cattle across the grasslands, following the seasonal patterns of grazing and water availability. Pastoralism was central to the Mongol way of life, as it provided them with food, clothing, and other essential resources.

2. Farmers
Contrary to the given options, the Mongols were not known for their agricultural practices. The harsh and arid grasslands of Central Asia were not suitable for large-scale farming. Instead, the Mongols traded with settled agricultural communities or raided them for resources, such as grains and vegetables. They often demanded tribute from the sedentary farmers in exchange for protection from their own raids.

3. Soldiers
While the Mongols were skilled warriors and had a formidable military, it is important to note that not all Mongols were soldiers. The Mongol society was organized into different social classes, and only a small percentage of the population served as soldiers in the Mongol military forces. These soldiers were highly trained and disciplined, and they played a crucial role in the Mongol conquests and the establishment of the Mongol Empire.

The Mongol Empire
Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongols embarked on a series of military campaigns that resulted in the creation of one of the largest empires in history - the Mongol Empire. They conquered vast territories across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, bringing together diverse cultures and peoples under their rule. The Mongols were known for their prowess in horseback archery, superior military tactics, and their ability to adapt to different terrains and battle conditions.

In Conclusion
The Mongols were primarily pastoralists who relied on herding livestock for their sustenance. While they were skilled warriors, not all Mongols were soldiers. Their nomadic lifestyle and military prowess played a crucial role in shaping their identity and the expansion of the Mongol Empire.

In the 1290s, the Mongol ruler of Iran Ghazan Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan’s youngest son Toluy, warned family members and other generals to avoid pillaging the peasantry.

Yam was a courier system which conveys
message and it was organised by Genguis Khan and Khan.It also provides the food and basic necessities to army.

Qanats: The Underground Canals of the Arid Iranian Plateau

Introduction
In the arid Iranian plateau, a remarkable system of underground canals known as qanats has been developed to supply water for agriculture and domestic use. Qanats are an ancient technology that dates back thousands of years and have played a crucial role in sustaining human settlements in this harsh environment. In this answer, we will delve into the details of what qanats are and how they function.

Definition and Purpose
Qanats are underground water channels that tap into groundwater sources and transport water from higher elevations to lower-lying areas. They have been designed to overcome the scarcity of surface water in the arid regions of Iran. The primary purpose of qanats is to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for agriculture, drinking water, and other uses.

Structure and Construction
The construction of a qanat involves several key components and techniques:

1. Mother Well: The qanat begins with a vertical shaft called the mother well, which is dug deep into the ground until it reaches the water table.

2. Tunneling: From the mother well, a tunnel is excavated horizontally along the contour line to intersect the underground water source. This tunnel is known as the qanat itself.

3. Access Shafts: At regular intervals along the qanat, access shafts are constructed to provide ventilation, maintenance access, and water extraction points.

4. Slope and Gradient: The qanat is designed with a slight downward slope, typically around 1 meter per kilometer, to allow the water to flow naturally by gravity.

5. Filtration System: To filter out sediment and impurities, a filtration system is incorporated into the qanat. This usually consists of a series of wells or underground reservoirs where the water is temporarily stored, allowing suspended particles to settle before continuing its journey.

Advantages and Sustainability
The qanat system offers several advantages and contributes to the sustainability of water resources in the arid Iranian plateau:

1. Efficient Use of Water: By tapping into groundwater sources and utilizing gravity, qanats allow for the efficient distribution and utilization of water resources.

2. Reduced Evaporation: Since qanats are underground, water loss due to evaporation is minimized compared to open surface channels.

3. Conservation of Water: Qanats have a self-regulating nature, with the flow of water adjusting according to the demand. This reduces the risk of overuse and depletion of water sources.

4. Resistance to Drought: Qanats provide a reliable water supply even during periods of drought when surface water sources may dry up.

Conclusion
Qanats are a remarkable example of ancient engineering and ingenuity. These underground canals have sustained human settlements in the arid Iranian plateau for centuries, providing a reliable and sustainable water supply. The qanat system demonstrates the resourcefulness and adaptability of human civilizations in overcoming environmental challenges.

One man had escaped from Bukhara after its capture and had come to Khurasan.

Mongols ruled over sophisticated urban societies with their respective histories, cultures, and laws.

Temujin restored old alliances with the ruler of the kereyits, Ong Khan, his father’s old blood-brother.