
Nomads’ Books: Mongolia’s Written Heritage
Despite a long tradition of nomadic life, Mongolia possesses a remarkably rich and ancient literary culture. For centuries, books have been valued as sacred objects and treasured sources of knowledge, carefully preserved and passed down through generations.
One of the most extraordinary examples is the ten-volume “Sandui Djud”, a masterpiece attributed to Dagva, whose illustrations and ornamentation required an estimated 50 kilograms of gold and 400 kilograms of silver. This monumental work is among the thousands of rare books preserved at the National Library of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.
Early Printing and Translation Traditions
As early as the mid-13th century, Mongolia produced xylographic (woodblock-printed) books, many of which were translations from Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. These works demonstrate the openness of Mongolian intellectual life and its deep engagement with neighboring civilizations and religious traditions.
Books traveled across the steppe, preserved within nomadic yurts (gers) as family chronicles—carefully protected, annotated, and expanded over time. From these humble beginnings, Mongolian books evolved into large, ornate editions, often richly decorated with the Nine Precious Stones and Metals, including gold and silver, reflecting the deep respect accorded to knowledge and learning.
The Secret History of the Mongols
Among Mongolia’s greatest cultural and literary treasures is “The Secret History of the Mongols”, written by an anonymous author around 1240 CE. It is regarded as the most important indigenous Mongolian historical work and a cornerstone of world literature.
The book chronicles:
Unlike most medieval sources on the Mongol Empire, which were written by outsiders, The Secret History presents events from a Mongolian perspective, blending historical narrative, legend, oral tradition, and imperial decrees.
Linguistically, it remains the richest source of pre-classical and Middle Mongolian, making it invaluable for scholars worldwide. Today, it is recognized as a classic of both Mongolian and global literature.
The term “secret” in the title suggests that the work was originally intended only for members of the imperial family, individuals granted special favor, or possibly Mongols alone, reinforcing its status as a sacred and confidential record.
A Living Legacy of Knowledge
Mongolian books reflect an extraordinary journey—from family-kept manuscripts in herders’ yurts to royal chronicles and sacred texts housed in national institutions. Reverence for books has long been expressed through craftsmanship, rare materials, and ceremonial preservation.
Today, the National Library of Mongolia safeguards many ancient, sacred, and rare manuscripts, ensuring that the intellectual heritage of the Mongolian nomads continues to inspire future generations.




