The Rashīdī History 187.1

187.1

(I HAVE copied exactly what the author has written descriptive of Moghulistan). Thus it is written in the Jahan-Kushai, that the dwelling, original seat, and birthplace of the Tatar was a valley devoid of cultivation; the length and breadth of which was seven or eight months' journey. It is bounded on the east by the country of Khitai, on the west by the province of Uighur, on the north by Kara Kiz and Salinkai, and on the south by a side [janib] of Tangut. Of these four limiting countries [hudud], mentioned in the Jahan-Kushai, Khitai is definitely known, and [can be] specified. But what [the author] calls 'Uighur' is quite unknown at the present time; it is not understood which country is meant. Nor is anything now known of Kara Kiz and Salinkai, nor have any places been discovered with such names. The name of Tangut is frequently mentioned in Moghul histories. At the outset of Chingiz Khan's conquests, he sent an army thither. Oktai Kaan also, when settling his dominions, sent some persons to Tangut, among other places; and from the way it is spoken of in histories, it was evidently a very important province. At that time the king of this country bore the name of Shidarku. Most histories state that his army numbered 800,000 men. However, at the present time it is not even known where it was. Thus it is impossible to say anything about those limiting countries which are specified in books.