An overview of the Altan Kanjur kept at the Library of the Academy of Social Sciences of Inner Mongolia

Abstract

This study investigates the unique manuscript of the Altan Kanjur kept at the Library of the Academy of Social Sciences of Inner Mongolia in Hohhot (China). According to Mongolian historiographical tradition, this manuscript collection is the final product of the Kanjur translation project accomplished under the auspices of Liγdan qaγan of the Čaqar Mongols (1588–1634) in the years 1628–1629. Apart from the fact that the Altan Kanjur is in itself a valuable literary monument, it can help to shed light on many issues concerning the genesis of the Mongolian Kanjur and link together different redactions and versions of the Mongolian Kanjur. Nevertheless, until recently this collection remained inaccessible for European scholars. The article provides basic information about the Altan Kanjur (its history, physical features of the manuscript, the colophon, and the contents), and compares the findings with the other redactions and versions of the Mongolian Kanjur.