Better understanding the state of Mongolian society under the Qing Dynasty in order to shed light on changes to the traditional nomadic lifestyle of Inner Mongolians

Abstract

Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of China. Nowadays, the traditional nomadic lifestyle of Inner Mongolians is increasingly difficult to maintain. Good and abundant pastures with water fields and soil with soda are key to this lifestyle as they are essential for livestock. In recent\n years, however, livestock numbers have decreased and, additionally, Inner Mongolians have experienced lifestyle changes such as remaining in one location instead of moving with the changing seasons. Furthermore, grasslands that once grew across the land have lost some of their regenerative\n power and now grow in patches and only to a relatively small height. Dr. Chaolumenggerile, Inner Mongolia University, China, is exploring historical materials in an effort to better understand these changes and in order to ascertain what can be done to preserve the traditional nomadic lifestyle\n of Inner Mongolians. She believes that understanding the state of Mongolian society under the Qing Dynasty 300 years ago would contribute to better understanding the current state of Mongolian society and is working to understand the rangeland demarcation policy that was implemented under\n the Qing Dynasty rule and how it penetrated Mongolian society. Part of the work involves investigating pasture conflicts in Mongolia during the Qing Dynasty and she has already succeeded in shedding light on the forms and patterns of rangeland conflicts that existed during that time.