Galdan (simplified: 葛尔丹, traditional: 葛爾丹, pinyin: Gé’ěrdān, jyutping: got3 ji5 daan1) is a Mongol prince who appears in The Deer and the Cauldron, representing Mongol interests in relations with the Qing court.
Biography
Historical background
Galdan was a real historical figure who lived from 1644 to 1697. He was a leader of the Dzungar Khanate, a Mongol khanate that existed in Central Asia during the 17th and 18th centuries. Galdan played a significant role in the conflicts between the Dzungar Khanate and the Qing Dynasty, leading military campaigns against Qing territories.
In the novel, Galdan appears as a Mongol prince who interacts with the Qing court, representing the complex relationships between the Mongols and the Qing dynasty during this period.
Role as Mongol prince
As a Mongol prince, Galdan represents Mongol interests in diplomatic and political relations with the Qing court. His position gives him authority to negotiate and interact with Qing officials, including Wei Xiaobao (韦小宝) and the Kangxi Emperor.
Galdan’s role reflects the historical reality of Mongol-Qing relations during this period, where various Mongol leaders maintained complex relationships with the Qing dynasty, sometimes as allies and sometimes as rivals.
Diplomatic relations
Galdan engages in diplomatic activities with the Qing court, participating in negotiations and discussions about various political and military matters. His interactions with Qing officials demonstrate the complex nature of Mongol-Qing relations, where both cooperation and conflict existed simultaneously.
These diplomatic relations are part of the broader political landscape of the novel, where various foreign powers and internal factions compete for influence and power.
Envoy Hantiemo
Galdan is associated with Hantiemo (罕帖摩), who serves as his envoy in interactions with the Qing court. Hantiemo represents Galdan’s interests and carries out various diplomatic missions on his behalf.
The relationship between Galdan and Hantiemo demonstrates how Mongol leaders used envoys and representatives to conduct diplomatic activities, maintaining communication and negotiation with the Qing court.
Significance
Galdan represents the theme of foreign relations and the complex interactions between the Qing dynasty and various Mongol groups. His character demonstrates how Mongol leaders maintained relationships with the Qing court, sometimes as allies and sometimes as rivals.
His character also highlights the theme of political complexity and the various competing interests that existed during this period, where different groups and factions sought to advance their own agendas through diplomacy and military action.
Galdan’s character contributes to the broader theme of international relations and the various foreign powers that interacted with the Qing dynasty, showing how the empire maintained relationships with neighbouring states and peoples while managing internal conflicts and challenges.