Muqali

Muqali
Native name	Мухулай
Other name(s)	Mukhali Mukhulai
Born	1170
Died	1223 (aged 52–53)
Allegiance	Mongol Empire
Years of service	Pre-1206 – 1223
Battles/wars	Mongol conquest of the Jin dynasty

Muqali (Mongolian: Мухулай; 1170–1223), also spelt Mukhali and Mukhulai, was a Mongol general ("bo'ol", transl. one who is bound in service) who became a trusted and esteemed commander under Genghis Khan. The son of Gü'ün U'a, a Jalair leader who had sworn fealty to the Mongols, he became known by his epithet "Muqali", "one who dulls", earned through his committed and able service to the Great Khan and the Mongol Empire.^[1]

During the invasion of Jin China, Muqali acted as Genghis Khan's second-in-command, was promoted to Viceroy of China,^[1] and was entrusted with a great degree of autonomy once Genghis Khan departed to conquer Central Asia. Unlike many Mongol leaders who were willing to massacre to gain any advantage, Muqali usually attempted to convert foes into friends by more conciliatory means.^[2]

By the time of Ogedei's reign (1229–1241), he was viewed as the best of the extraordinarily talented pool of Mongol generals.^[3] Given his undefeated record despite very limited resources, he might be regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was "unquestionably one of the leading Mongol personalities and a supreme leader".^[4] His wisdom in dealing with local matters has been emphasized.^[4]