TANGUT EMPIRE Meaning and
Definition
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The Tangut Empire was a political entity that existed in northwestern China from the 10th to the 13th centuries. It was primarily inhabited by the Tangut people, who spoke a Tibeto-Burman language known as Tangut or Xixia.
The Tangut Empire, also referred to as the Western Xia Dynasty, was established in the year 982 by Li Yuanhao, who declared himself the ruler of the newly independent kingdom. The empire reached its zenith during the reign of Li Yuanhao’s descendants, particularly during the rule of Emperor Jingzong. Its territory spread across modern-day Gansu, Ningxia, and parts of Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces.
The Tangut Empire had a unique government system that combined elements of tribal and imperial governance. The society was organized under a strict hierarchy, with the emperor at the top followed by various noble ranks and officials. The empire was known for its thriving economy, having developed a prosperous agricultural system in an otherwise arid region. Tangut society was also influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and had close cultural ties to both Tibet and China.
However, the Tangut Empire faced numerous conflicts and wars, especially with the neighboring Song Dynasty of China. Ultimately, the empire was conquered and overthrown by Mongol forces led by Genghis Khan and his successors in 1227. This marked the end of the Tangut Empire, as it was fully absorbed into the Mongol Empire. Today, remnants of the Tangut culture and civilization can be found through archaeological discoveries and the translation of the Tangut script, which is being studied by scholars around the world.
Etymology of TANGUT EMPIRE
The word "Tangut Empire" derives from the ancient state known as the Western Xia or Tangut Xia. The Tangut people, also known as the Tanguts or Dangxiang, were an ethnic group who established the Western Xia state in the 10th century.
The term "Tangut" is believed to come from the Tibetan word "dang-so", which means "field" or "pasture". The Western Xia state was predominantly located in present-day Northwestern China, an area characterized by its grasslands and pastoral economy. Therefore, "Tangut" could be translated as "people of the pasture" or "those who live in the fields".
The word "Empire" is used to describe the Western Xia state because it reached its peak as a powerful and expansive political entity during the 11th and 12th centuries.
