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The origin of the word is not known. Various historians identify the word as either [[Eastern Iranian languages|East Iranian]] ([[Sogdian language|Sogdian]] or [[Saka language|Khotanese Saka]]),<ref name="Qarib">{{Citation | last = Qarīb | first = Badr-az-Zamān | year = 1995 | title = Sogdian dictionary: Sogdian – Persian – English | place = Tehran | publisher = Farhangan}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Doerfer | first = Gerhard | author-link = Gerhard Doerfer | year = 1993 | title = Chaladschica extragottingensia | journal = Central Asiatic Journal | volume = 37 | number = 1–2 | page = 43}}</ref><ref name="Ossetic">{{Citation | first = Agustí | last = Alemany | title = Sources on the Alans | publisher = Brill | year = 2000 | page = 328 | quote = Abaev considers this word (lacking in a Turco-Mongolian etymology), as well Old Hungarian tarchan “olim judex”, borrowing from Scythians (Alans) *tarxan “judge” -> Ossetian. Taerxon “argument, trial”; cf. the Ossete idioms taerxon kaenyn “to judge” (+ kӕnyn “to do”) and tӕrxon lӕg “judge” (+l ӕg man). Iron ævzag}}</ref> [[Turkic languages|Turkic]] ([[Hunnic language|Hunnic]], [[Xiongnu]]),<ref name="Turkic1" /><ref name="Turkic2">{{Citation | last = Frye | first = Richard N | title = Tarxun-Turxun and Central Asian History | journal = Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies | volume = 14 | number = 1/2 | pages = 105–29}}</ref> or [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]].
The origin of the word is not known. Various historians identify the word as either [[Eastern Iranian languages|East Iranian]] ([[Sogdian language|Sogdian]] or [[Saka language|Khotanese Saka]]),<ref name="Qarib">{{Citation | last = Qarīb | first = Badr-az-Zamān | year = 1995 | title = Sogdian dictionary: Sogdian – Persian – English | place = Tehran | publisher = Farhangan}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Doerfer | first = Gerhard | author-link = Gerhard Doerfer | year = 1993 | title = Chaladschica extragottingensia | journal = Central Asiatic Journal | volume = 37 | number = 1–2 | page = 43}}</ref><ref name="Ossetic">{{Citation | first = Agustí | last = Alemany | title = Sources on the Alans | publisher = Brill | year = 2000 | page = 328 | quote = Abaev considers this word (lacking in a Turco-Mongolian etymology), as well Old Hungarian tarchan “olim judex”, borrowing from Scythians (Alans) *tarxan “judge” -> Ossetian. Taerxon “argument, trial”; cf. the Ossete idioms taerxon kaenyn “to judge” (+ kӕnyn “to do”) and tӕrxon lӕg “judge” (+l ӕg man). Iron ævzag}}</ref> [[Turkic languages|Turkic]] ([[Hunnic language|Hunnic]], [[Xiongnu]]),<ref name="Turkic1" /><ref name="Turkic2">{{Citation | last = Frye | first = Richard N | title = Tarxun-Turxun and Central Asian History | journal = Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies | volume = 14 | number = 1/2 | pages = 105–29}}</ref> or [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]].


Although [[Richard Frye|R. Frye]] reports that the word "was probably foreign to Sogdian", hence considered to be a loanword from Turkic, [[Gerhard Doerfer]] points out that even in Turkic languages, its [[plural]] is not Turkic (sing. ''tarxan'' --> plur. ''tarx'''at'''''), suggesting a non-Turkic origin.<ref name="Doerfer">{{Citation | first = Gerhard | last = Doerfer | title = Mongolo-Tungusica | editor-first = O | editor-last = Harrassowitz | year = 1985 | publisher = University of Virginia}}</ref> L. Ligeti comes to the same conclusion, saying that ''"tarxan and tegin [prince] form the wholly un-Turkish plurals tarxat and tegit"'' and that the word was unknown to medieval western Turkic languages, such as [[Bulgar language|Bulgar]].<ref>{{Citation | first = L | last = Ligeti | title = Researches in Altaic languages | editor-first = A | editor-last = Kiadó | year = 1975 | publisher = University of Michigan | page = 48}}</ref> Taking this into consideration, the word is most likely derived from medieval Mongolian ''darqat'' (Mongolian plural suffix '''-at'''), itself perhaps derived from the earlier Sogdian word ''*tarxa'''n'''t'' ("free of taxes").<ref name = "Doerfer" /> A. Alemany gives the additional elaboration that the related East Iranian Scythian (and [[Alans|Alanic]]) word ''*tarxan'' still survives in [[Ossetian language|Ossetic]] ''tærxon'' ("argument, trial") and ''tærxon kænyn'' ("to judge").<ref name="Ossetic" /> [[Harold Walter Bailey]] also proposes an Iranian ([[Saka language|Khotanese Saka]]) root for the word,<ref>{{Citation | last = Bailey | first = Harold W | year = 1985 | url = http://www.archive.org/details/EtymologyOfXiongnuNamesByTheLateH.w.Bailey | title = Indo-Scythian Studies: being Khotanese Texts | volume = VII | publisher = Cambridge Univ. Press}}</ref> whereas linguist Sevan Nişanyan lists Old Turkic ''tarḳan'' as a cognate word with Khotanese Saka ''ttarkana'' and Sogdian ''tarχān'', all having the same meaning "nobility, nobleness, commander", ultimately derived from [[Hunnic]] ''tarḳan''/''tarχan''.<ref>[https://www.nisanyansozluk.com/?k=tarkan&x=-1309&y=-174 tarkan] in [https://www.nisanyansozluk.com/ Nişanyan Sözlük] (Turkish Etymological Dictionary)</ref>
Although [[Richard Frye|R. Frye]] reports that the word "was probably foreign to Sogdian", hence considered to be a loanword from Turkic, [[Gerhard Doerfer]] points out that even in Turkic languages, its [[plural]] is not Turkic (sing. ''tarxan'' --> plur. ''tarx'''at'''''), suggesting a non-Turkic origin.<ref name="Doerfer">{{Citation | first = Gerhard | last = Doerfer | title = Mongolo-Tungusica | editor-first = O | editor-last = Harrassowitz | year = 1985 | publisher = University of Virginia}}</ref> L. Ligeti comes to the same conclusion, saying that ''"tarxan and tegin [prince] form the wholly un-Turkish plurals tarxat and tegit"'' and that the word was unknown to medieval western Turkic languages, such as [[Bulgar language|Bulgar]].<ref>{{Citation | first = L | last = Ligeti | title = Researches in Altaic languages | editor-first = A | editor-last = Kiadó | year = 1975 | publisher = University of Michigan | page = 48}}</ref> Taking this into consideration, the word is most likely derived from medieval Mongolian ''darqat'' (Mongolian plural suffix '''-at'''), itself perhaps derived from the earlier Sogdian word ''*tarxa'''n'''t'' ("free of taxes").<ref name = "Doerfer" /> A. Alemany gives the additional elaboration that the related East Iranian Scythian (and [[Alans|Alanic]]) word ''*tarxan'' still survives in [[Ossetian language|Ossetic]] ''tærxon'' ("argument, trial") and ''tærxon kænyn'' ("to judge").<ref name="Ossetic" /> [[Harold Walter Bailey]] also proposes an Iranian ([[Saka language|Khotanese Saka]]) root for the word,<ref>{{Citation | last = Bailey | first = Harold W | year = 1985 | url = http://www.archive.org/details/EtymologyOfXiongnuNamesByTheLateH.w.Bailey | title = Indo-Scythian Studies: being Khotanese Texts | volume = VII | publisher = Cambridge Univ. Press}}</ref> whereas linguist Sevan Nişanyan lists Old Turkic ''tarḳan'' as a cognate word with Khotanese Saka ''ttarkana'' and Sogdian ''tarχān'', all having the same meaning "nobility, nobleness, commander", ultimately derived from [[Hunnic]] ''tarḳan''/''tarχan''.<ref>[https://www.nisanyansozluk.com/?k=tarkan&x=-1309&y=-174 tarkan] in [https://www.nisanyansozluk.com/ Nişanyan Sözlük] (Turkish Etymological Dictionary)</ref> L. Rogers bears in mind that the word may have originated among the [[Xiongnu]] and [[Huns]] where it was associated with a title for nobility.<ref name="Leland Liu Rogers"></ref> [[Edwin G. Pulleyblank]] also suggests that both, Turkic ''tarqan'' and Mongolian ''darxan''/''daruyu'', may preserved an original Hunnic word.<ref name="Universität Bonn.">Universität Bonn. Seminar für Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft Zentralasiens: Zentralasiatische Studien, Vol. 24-26, p.21</ref>


The word was borrowed by many languages, including Armenian [[wikt:թարխան|tʿarxan]], Georgian [[wikt:თარხანი|t’arxani]] and Russian [[wikt:тархан|тархан]] through the Mongolian conquests.
The word was borrowed by many languages, including Armenian [[wikt:թարխան|tʿarxan]], Georgian [[wikt:თარხანი|t’arxani]] and Russian [[wikt:тархан|тархан]] through the Mongolian conquests.

Revision as of 19:32, 28 February 2014

This article is about Tarkhan, an ancient Turkic title. For other uses, see Tarkan and Darkhan

Tarkhan (Old Turkic Tarqan;[1] Mongolian: Darqan or Darkhan;[2][3] Persian: ترخان; Chinese: 達干; Arabic: طرخان; alternative spellings Tarkan, Tarkhaan, Tarqan, Tarchan, Tarxan, Tarcan or Targan) is an ancient Central Asian title used by various Indo-European (i.e. Iranian and Tokharian) and Turco-Mongol peoples, especially in the medieval era, and prominent among the successors of the Mongol Empire.

Etymology

The origin of the word is not known. Various historians identify the word as either East Iranian (Sogdian or Khotanese Saka),[4][5][6] Turkic (Hunnic, Xiongnu),[1][7] or Mongolian.

Although R. Frye reports that the word "was probably foreign to Sogdian", hence considered to be a loanword from Turkic, Gerhard Doerfer points out that even in Turkic languages, its plural is not Turkic (sing. tarxan --> plur. tarxat), suggesting a non-Turkic origin.[8] L. Ligeti comes to the same conclusion, saying that "tarxan and tegin [prince] form the wholly un-Turkish plurals tarxat and tegit" and that the word was unknown to medieval western Turkic languages, such as Bulgar.[9] Taking this into consideration, the word is most likely derived from medieval Mongolian darqat (Mongolian plural suffix -at), itself perhaps derived from the earlier Sogdian word *tarxant ("free of taxes").[8] A. Alemany gives the additional elaboration that the related East Iranian Scythian (and Alanic) word *tarxan still survives in Ossetic tærxon ("argument, trial") and tærxon kænyn ("to judge").[6] Harold Walter Bailey also proposes an Iranian (Khotanese Saka) root for the word,[10] whereas linguist Sevan Nişanyan lists Old Turkic tarḳan as a cognate word with Khotanese Saka ttarkana and Sogdian tarχān, all having the same meaning "nobility, nobleness, commander", ultimately derived from Hunnic tarḳan/tarχan.[11] L. Rogers bears in mind that the word may have originated among the Xiongnu and Huns where it was associated with a title for nobility.[12] Edwin G. Pulleyblank also suggests that both, Turkic tarqan and Mongolian darxan/daruyu, may preserved an original Hunnic word.[13]

The word was borrowed by many languages, including Armenian tʿarxan, Georgian t’arxani and Russian тархан through the Mongolian conquests.

History

It was used among the various Iranian (Sogdians, Khotanese, and Hephthalites) Turkic and Mongol peoples of Central Asia and other steppe people, and was a high rank in the army of Tamerlane. Tarkhans commanded military contingents (roughly of regimental size under the Khazar khan) and were, roughly speaking, generals. They could also be assigned as military governors of conquered regions.

The Göktürks probably adopted the title of Darqan (Mongolian spelling) from the Mongol-speaking Rourans or Avars.[14] The Tarkhan were cited in inscription of Kul Tigin (d. c. 731 CE). They were given high honors such as entering the ger of Khagan without any prior appointment and shown unusual ninefold pardon to the 9th generation from any crime they committed.[15] Although the etymology of the word is unknown, it is attested under the Khitans who ruled most of Mongolia and North China between 916 and 1125.[16]

Like many titles, Tarkhan (Turkic spelling) also occurs as a personal name, independent of a person's rank, which makes some historical references confusing. For example, Arab texts refer to a "Tarkhan, king of the Khazars" as reigning in the mid ninth century. Whether this is a confused reference to a military official or the name of an individual Khazar khagan remains unclear. The name is occasionally used today in Turkish and Arabic speaking countries.

In the Mongol Empire, the Darkhan were exempted from taxation, socage and requisitioning. Genghis Khan made those who helped his rise Darkhans in 1206. The families of the Darkhan played crucial roles later when the succession crisis occurred in Yuan Dynasty and Ilkhanate. Abaqa Khan (1234–82) made an Indian Darkhan after he had led his mother and her team all the way from Central Asia to Persia safely. A wealthy merchant of Persia was made of Darkhan by Ghazan (1271–1304) for his service during the early defeat of the Ilkhan. In Russia, the Khans of the Golden Horde assigned important tasks to the Darkhan. A jarliq of Temur Qutlugh (ca. 1370–1399) which authorized rights of the Tarkhan found in Crimea.[17]

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), the title was bestowed mainly on the late Darkhans' families and the government officials.

After suppressing the rebellion of the right three tumens in Mongolia, Dayan Khan exempted his soldiers, who participated the battle of Dalan-Terqin, from imposts and made them Darkhan in 1513. Even after the collapse of the Northern Yuan with the death of Ligdan Khan in 1635, the title of Darkhan was bestowed on religious dignitaries, sometimes on persons of low birth. For example, in 1665, the Khotgoid Altan Khan Lubsan bestowed the title on a Russian interpreter and requested the Russian Tsar to exempt the interpreter from all tax obligations.[3]

A Tarkhan established the Tarkhan Dynasty, ruling Northern India from 1554 to 1591 AD.

All craftsmen held the status of darkhan and were immune to occasional requisitions levied incessantly by passing imperial envoys.[18] From then on, the word referred to craftsmen or blacksmiths[19] in Mongolian language now and is still used in Mongolia as privilege.[20] People who served the Orda (Palace) of Emperors were granted darkhan and their descendants called Darkhad in Ordos, Inner Mongolia (not to be confused with the Mongolian People's Republic).

In fiction

Notes

  1. ^ a b Choi, Han-Woo (Oct 2005), A Study of the Ancient Turkic "TARQAN" (PDF), KR: Handong University
  2. ^ Rogers, Leland Liu, The Golden Summary of Cinggis Qayan: Cinggis Qayan-u Altan Tobci, p. 80
  3. ^ a b Ratchnevsky, Paul, Genghis Khan: his life and legacy, p. 82
  4. ^ Qarīb, Badr-az-Zamān (1995), Sogdian dictionary: Sogdian – Persian – English, Tehran: Farhangan
  5. ^ Doerfer, Gerhard (1993), "Chaladschica extragottingensia", Central Asiatic Journal, 37 (1–2): 43
  6. ^ a b Alemany, Agustí (2000), Sources on the Alans, Brill, p. 328, Abaev considers this word (lacking in a Turco-Mongolian etymology), as well Old Hungarian tarchan "olim judex", borrowing from Scythians (Alans) *tarxan "judge" -> Ossetian. Taerxon "argument, trial"; cf. the Ossete idioms taerxon kaenyn "to judge" (+ kӕnyn "to do") and tӕrxon lӕg "judge" (+l ӕg man). Iron ævzag
  7. ^ Frye, Richard N, "Tarxun-Turxun and Central Asian History", Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, 14 (1/2): 105–29
  8. ^ a b Doerfer, Gerhard (1985), Harrassowitz, O (ed.), Mongolo-Tungusica, University of Virginia
  9. ^ Ligeti, L (1975), Kiadó, A (ed.), Researches in Altaic languages, University of Michigan, p. 48
  10. ^ Bailey, Harold W (1985), Indo-Scythian Studies: being Khotanese Texts, vol. VII, Cambridge Univ. Press
  11. ^ tarkan in Nişanyan Sözlük (Turkish Etymological Dictionary)
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference Leland Liu Rogers was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Universität Bonn. Seminar für Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft Zentralasiens: Zentralasiatische Studien, Vol. 24-26, p.21
  14. ^ Pelliot, Neuf Notes (in French), p. 250 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Eberhard, Conquerors and Rulers, p. 98
  16. ^ Wittfogel, Liao dynasty, p. 433 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ http://reff.net.ua/26327-YArlyki_hanov_Zolotoiy_Ordy_kak_istochnik_prava_i_kak_istochnik_po_istorii_prava.html
  18. ^ Atwood, Christopher, Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire, p. 25
  19. ^ Ratchnevsky, Paul, Genghis Khan: his life and legacy, p. 243
  20. ^ Kohn, Michael, Mongolia, p. 126

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tarkhan&oldid=597562396"