Zaisan (title) explained

Zaisan (Mongolian: Зайсан) is an ancient title among the Mongols, Buryats, Kalmyks,[1] Altaians, Khakas, Telengits, denoting the hereditary ruler of the otok, ulus or aimag. In some cases, the title corresponded to the prince.[2] [3]

Etymology

The word "zaisan" comes from the name of the Chinese title "zaixiang", which served as chancellor.[4]

The title of zaisan among Telengits

In the XVIII and XIX centuries, the title of the ruler of the Teles and Kebeks Otoks, which corresponded to prince. Zaisan's power was almost limitless, even after joining the Russian Empire. The power of zaisan was higher than the power of the volost foreman. Zaisans in their volosts had the right to punish any Telengite without a trial[5]

The title of zaisan among Buryats

Zaisan (Buriat: Zaihan) is a junior administrative rank in pre—revolutionary Buryatia. Zaisans were at the head of the otok, sometimes the ulus as hereditary possessions.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Зайсанг — Викитека. ru.wikisource.org. 2019-06-22.
  2. Чихачев П. А. Путешествие в Восточный Алтай / перевод с фр., предисл. и коммент. В. В. Цыбульского. М.: [Наука,] Гл. ред вост. лит., 1974.- 360 с. (Центральная Азия в источниках и материалах XIX- начала XXвека). Page. 88.
  3. Аристов Н.А. Заметки об этническом составе тюркских племен и народностей... Page. 341.
  4. Book: Бадмаева Л. Б. . Языковое пространство бурятского летописного текста . 2012 . IMBT . 9785792503403.
  5. "Живая старина" выпуск III и IV, 1896 год, А. Калачев "Поездка в теленгетам на Алтай". Page. 485.