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Khan Accepts Confucianism

By: Valeria Aedo

Mongols Time: China Edition

December 16, 1272

DADU-- 1272, Kublai Khan is now ruler for both Mongolians and Chinese. How will he decide which religion to make his people follow? Among all Chinese religions that was being followed in the previous years, during this time the main religion is Confucianism. Confucianism is a philosophy,which is based on the different levels of honesty. Does Kublai accept this religion for the Mongolians as well?

The conquest of South China’s Song Dynasty under Kublai Khan was the final step to  “take over all of China” according to the mongols. Although they didn’t actually take over all of China, they did claim a good majority of the country. As ruler, Khan was able to mange the entire country. He very much enjoyed the religion of Confucianism, though there were also some big conflicts that everybody living in the Yuan dynasty didn’t enjoy.

Although Kublai Khan did adopt and promote Confucianism there were other Chinese traditions Khan did not necessarily like. For example, Khan divided the population into four social classes, making the Mongols top class. Yong Shong, a peasant in the village of Guangxi said, “I don’t enjoy these smelly barbarians controlling my country, although i have hope. Confucianism gives me and my family faith.”

“I always wondered how my people thought about me. I dress in Chinese robes on formal occasion and encourage Confucian rituals.” said Khan. Batukhan says “I really think that Kublai, my great friend, is a powerful, fair and open minded king.  I feel like he wants to keep the rituals because I've once heard him saying that they fascinate him, maybe its all an act. I highly doubt it.” Over all, Kublai Khan is a wonderful leader and shows that he cares and wants to develop cultures and religions around the country.