Altan Khan (1507–1583) and his Role in Spreading Buddhism Among the Mongolian Peoples

Given the exceptional role of Buddhism in the countries of its spread, especially Tibet and Mongolia, where Buddhism was the state religion during its highest development and contributed to the creation of theocratic states in these countries, it becomes relevant to investigate the little-studied early history, identify the figures who stood at its origins, and study their role in the spread of Buddhism, which determines the novelty of the article. The object of the article is Altan Khan, prince of the Mongolian Tumet principality, who came from the Genghis Khan family and was the grandson of the last all-Mongolian ruler Dayan Khan (1464–1543). The article aims at revealing biographical information on Altan Khan, determining his role in the history of the Mongols and the degree of contribution to the spread of Buddhism, insufficiently covered in scientific articles. Thanks to military campaigns, the establishment of a trade and peace agreement with China, relations with the XIV Dalai Lama and conversion to Buddhism, Altan Khan became the recognized leader of the Western Mongols. The Buddhist monastery Ih-zu founded by him became one of the centers of attraction for Buddhist monks and pilgrims, which over time turned into the capital of all in Inner Mongolia. As a result of his active proselytizing activities, the Mongols got to know each other, adapted the best achievements of Buddhist culture and in a short period became adherents of Buddhism. The study revealed that Altan Khan was not only a powerful Mongolian political and military figure but also a successful religious missionary, the name is associated with the second dissemination of Buddhism and the Buddhist Church in Mongolia, which indirectly contributed to the further spread of Buddhism among other Mongolian peoples, Buryats and Kalmyks.