Barlas
The Secret History of the Mongols records a lineage stretching back to Tumbinai Khan, the chief of the Borjigin clan. Rashid al-Din Hamadani wrote in his Jami' al-tawarikh that the Barlas shared ancestry with the Khiyad Borjigin through this common ancestor. Qachuli founded the tribe within Khamag Mongol in Northern Mongolia during the early 12th century. He was either the son of Tumanay Setsen or Tumbinai Khan himself. Historical accounts describe him as the twin brother of Qabul Khan, who established the first Khamag Mongol Confederations. This family tree places the Barlas directly within the imperial Mongol ruling circle from their inception. The progenitor's great-grandson would become a pivotal figure in later history.
Qarachar Barlas served as a minister and military commander under Genghis Khan during the Mongol Invasions of Central Asia. He migrated from Mongolia to establish new settlements in Transoxiana while holding the title of Noyan. Genghis Khan appointed Qarachar as governor of Transoxiana under Chagatai Khan's command. The Barlas controlled the region of Kish, known today as Shahrisabz in Uzbekistan. All lineages seem to have been associated with this specific geographic area for generations. Unlike neighboring tribes that remained nomadic, the Barlas adopted sedentary life due to their aristocratic status. Their military nature allowed them to maintain power over settled populations in the valley of Kashka Darya.
Extensive contacts with native Central Asian populations led the tribe to adopt Islam as their primary religion. They abandoned Tengrism, the faith of their forefathers, in favor of Islamic practices common in the region. Native Mongol speakers gradually adopted the Chagatai language instead of maintaining their original tongue. This Turkic language belonged to the Qarluq branch and was heavily influenced by Arabic and Persian. Many recorded marriages occurred outside the tribe despite not always being exogamous. The transition involved giving up traditional nomadic ways similar to other Mongol tribes settling in Transoxania. This cultural shift created a distinct identity separate from their steppe origins.
The conqueror Timur founded the Timurid dynasty during the 14th century within the Barlas clan. His rule extended across modern-day Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and almost the entire Caucasus region. Timur controlled Afghanistan, much of Central Asia, and parts of contemporary Pakistan and Mesopotamia. He also held authority over Anatolia during his campaigns. A portrait painted between 1405 and 1409 depicts Timur as a member of the Barlas lineage. One of his descendants would later establish a new empire in South Asia following his death. The dynasty became one of two major empires spawned by this imperial family.
Babur descended directly from the Barlas clan through Timur's line of succession. He founded the Mughal Empire in Central Asia and South Asia after Timur's death. Babur established his rule over the Indian subcontinent using his ancestral claim to power. The Mughal Empire emerged as the second major branch of the original Barlas imperial dynasties. Historical records show Babur as the founder of this significant South Asian state. His lineage connected the Mongol roots of the Barlas to the political landscape of India. This foundation ensured the survival of the clan's influence centuries after their initial migration.
Common questions
Who founded the Barlas tribe within Khamag Mongol in Northern Mongolia during the early 12th century?
Qachuli founded the Barlas tribe within Khamag Mongol in Northern Mongolia during the early 12th century. He was either the son of Tumanay Setsen or Tumbinai Khan himself and is described as the twin brother of Qabul Khan.
Where did Qarachar Barlas migrate to establish new settlements while holding the title of Noyan under Genghis Khan?
Qarachar Barlas migrated from Mongolia to Transoxiana to establish new settlements while holding the title of Noyan. The Barlas controlled the region of Kish, known today as Shahrisabz in Uzbekistan, and maintained power over settled populations in the valley of Kashka Darya.
When did Timur found the Timurid dynasty within the Barlas clan during the 14th century?
Timur founded the Timurid dynasty within the Barlas clan during the 14th century. A portrait painted between the 2nd of May 1405 and the 9th of May 1409 depicts Timur as a member of the Barlas lineage.
Why did the Barlas tribe adopt Islam instead of maintaining their original faith of Tengrism?
Extensive contacts with native Central Asian populations led the Barlas tribe to adopt Islam as their primary religion. They abandoned Tengrism, the faith of their forefathers, in favor of Islamic practices common in the region and gradually adopted the Chagatai language.
How did Babur descend directly from the Barlas clan through Timur's line of succession to found the Mughal Empire?
Babur descended directly from the Barlas clan through Timur's line of succession and founded the Mughal Empire in Central Asia and South Asia after Timur's death. He established his rule over the Indian subcontinent using his ancestral claim to power, making the Mughal Empire the second major branch of the original Barlas imperial dynasties.