체벵(Čeveng)의 『몽골 소수민족지』 역주ㆍ2 ― 두르부드 ―

Abstract

In this essay, Čeveng described the origin of the Dörbed, an ethnic minority living in the northwest of Mongolia, the territory of that region, that is mountains, rivers and lakes, and natural resources, such as plants, animals, and minerals. Also, he described their living culture, such as language, letter and customs, the reorganization of administrative structure, and particularly agriculture as well as nomadic life based on a variety of sources. At the northwestern border of the Dörbed territory, there is a snow-clad mountain called Möngke qayirqan(mt.). Along the northern border is the Tangnu Range and on the western side, the branch mountains of the Altai. On the eastern side, there is the range called Köküi. As for the geological formation of the area of the Dörbed territory, it is the broad basin surrounded by high mountains. With regard to its climate, thanks to the rivers and streams from the mountains with perennial snow and big lakes, the Dörbed territory is a better place than any other areas of Mongolia. There are lakes called Uvs, Ačitu, Örüg, Kirgis, Ayiraγ, and Jegeren. There is no lack of pastures and forests, and since the weather is warm, it is suitable for sowing crops and vegetables. There are abundant mineral resources as well as various species of animals and birds. According to Rashid al-Din, it is stated that the origin of the Dörbed was Mongolian, and they were named Dörben at that time. As time passed, the Dörbed became similar to the Oyirad, but different from the Qalqa. A law code which the Oyirad and the Mongols had jointly established in the year 1640 have come down to us. Dividing the Dörbed into two aimaks and calling them the Right and Left Wing, Qing dynasty established as the Sayin ǰayaγatu League. From the year 1759, not observing the duty of the postal relay stations andh frontier guards, the Dörbed Aimak were rich and prosperous. The Dörbed have moved four times during the four seasons of the year to summer-, winter-, spring-, and autumn-quartering. Having brought the land near the rivers under cultivation, they farm entirely by irrigation and make profits. It is said that 25 per cent of the entire population engage in farming. The khans(vang) and princes(güng) of the Dörbed, as well as the monks of the monasteries who were formerly very powerful possess fields; and lower ranking monks all personally engage in work. In the year 1924 and 1925, it appears that the cattle of the Dörbed were almost the property of the rich and of the monastic community.