Federal Security Service of Russia, Central Archives: 8th Bodg Gegeen Documented

Abstract

The 1920s–1930s in Mongolia still give rise to occasional academic debates. And the period does deserve close attention at least due to the ambiguous nature of the then events — complicated, problematic, and largely controversial. The collection of archival materials titled ‘Federal Security Service Archives: Mongolia Documented, 1922–1936’ deals with this very era. Goals. The paper seeks to review documents housed in the Central Archives of Russia’s Federal Security Service and relating to the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu (Bogd Gegeen) — the last Khan of Mongolia — in the harsh times between the emergence of the national-liberation movement (1911) and the theocrat’s death (1924). Materials. The analyzed official records comprise special messages, coded telegrams, letters, and reports on the 8th Bodg Gegeen’s activities in Mongolia. Some documents deal with reincarnation search arrangements and the movement for restoration of theocracy. Results. The discovered files may significantly contribute to the understanding of the theocrat’s deeds in Mongolia.