Damdin Sükhbaatar was a key leader and commander-in-chief of the Mongolian People’s Partisans, successfully leading military campaigns to oust Chinese forces and establish Mongolia’s independence.

Birth and Family Origins

Damdin Sükhbaatar, whose name means “Axe Hero” in Mongolian, was born on February 2, 1893, in the Chinese trading settlement near modern-day Ulaanbaatar. He was the third of four children in a family that had fled their home banner in Setsen Khan aimag. His father made a modest living through odd jobs and day labor. When Sükhbaatar was six years old, the family relocated near the Russian consulate, which played a significant role in his early education and exposure to Russian culture and language.

A monument to Sükhbaatar’s birthplace.

Education and Early Employment

At age 14, Sükhbaatar studied under Zaisan Jamyan, marking the start of his formal education. By 16, he began working as a proxy rider, performing mandatory services on behalf of others. In 1911, following Mongolia’s initial declaration of independence, he joined the newly formed Mongolian army, setting the foundation for his military career.

Military Service in the Bogd Khan’s Army

In 1912, under the guidance of Russian military advisors, Sükhbaatar received training at a military school in Khujirbulan. His exceptional skills in riding, shooting, and tactics earned him a leadership position as a platoon commander in the machine gun company.

Despite his professional success, Sükhbaatar faced personal obstacles. In 1913, he married Yanjmaa, though her family initially disapproved due to his lack of wealth. Their union proved enduring, with Yanjmaa later becoming a prominent figure in Mongolia’s political sphere.

Sükhbaatar took part in a soldiers’ riot in 1914 to protest corruption and poor living conditions. Although this act of defiance did not harm his career, it highlighted his growing disdain for the systemic injustices of the time.

A photo of Sükhbaatar sitting on a horse.

The Rise of Revolution

The period between 1918 and 1919 saw China reassert control over Outer Mongolia amidst Russia’s civil war. Chinese forces under General Xu Shuzheng occupied the capital and ended Mongolia’s autonomy. Sükhbaatar joined one of the two secret revolutionary groups opposing Chinese rule, which eventually merged to form the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) in 1920.

In 1920, Sükhbaatar, along with other party members, sought assistance from the Soviet Union. He smuggled a critical letter from the Bogd Khan to Soviet authorities, cleverly concealing it in the hollow handle of his whip—a relic now preserved in a Ulaanbaatar museum.

Leadership in the People’s Revolution

By early 1921, Sükhbaatar was appointed commander-in-chief of the Mongolian People’s Partisans. Under his leadership, the revolutionaries launched their first military engagement against Chinese forces on February 20, 1921. His strategic brilliance became evident during these encounters, rallying support for the nationalist cause.

Damdin Sükhbaatar  composed the revolutionary song Ulaan Tug (“Red Banner”), which remains a key ceremonial piece in Mongolia, and his life inspired films, banknotes, and the naming of provinces and institutions.

Sükhbaatar’s forces, in coordination with the Red Army, successfully liberated Niislel Khüree (now Ulaanbaatar) from Chinese occupation in July 1921. This marked a pivotal moment in the Mongolian Revolution of 1921, culminating in the establishment of a new government on July 11, with Sükhbaatar serving as Minister of the Army.

Governance and Challenges

Following the liberation of Khiagt from Chinese forces in March 1921, the provisional government set up its ministries and consolidated power. This victory is commemorated annually as Mongolia’s Army Day, symbolizing the nation’s military resilience.

Later that year, Sükhbaatar’s forces faced a renewed threat from White Russian forces led by Baron Ungern von Sternberg. By mid-1921, they repelled Ungern’s offensive with assistance from Soviet troops, ensuring the revolution’s survival.

The revolutionaries maintained the Bogd Khan as a symbolic figurehead, stripping him of real power. This decision was emblematic of their intent to transition Mongolia into a socialist state under their leadership.

Death and Legacy

In February 1923, Sükhbaatar succumbed to illness after a period of political tension and rumored anti-communist plots. While some speculated that he was poisoned, others believed he died of pneumonia caused by exposure to cold rain. His untimely death on February 20, 1923, remains shrouded in mystery.

Sükhbaatar was buried with state honors, and his contributions were immortalized in Mongolian history. In 1924, the capital city was renamed Ulaanbaatar (“Red Hero”) in his honor. The Order of Sükhbaatar was established as the nation’s highest award, celebrating those who demonstrated exceptional service to Mongolia.

In 1954, his remains were exhumed and placed in a mausoleum in Sükhbaatar Square, a prominent site in Ulaanbaatar. After the mausoleum’s dismantling in 2005, his ashes were reburied at Altan-Ölgii Cemetery under Buddhist rites.

A painting portraying Sükhbaatar.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Sükhbaatar’s legacy is preserved through numerous landmarks named after him, including Sükhbaatar Square and Sükhbaatar Province. A statue of him prominently stands in Ulaanbaatar, symbolizing his pivotal role in Mongolia’s revolution.

Sükhbaatar’s image has appeared on Mongolian currency and in cultural works such as the Soviet-Mongolian film His Name Is Sukhe-Bator (1942). His revolutionary song Ulaan Tug (“Red Banner”) continues to be a ceremonial anthem in Mongolia.

Sükhbaatar’s widow, Yanjmaa, carried forward his legacy, serving as a prominent political figure and even acting president of Mongolia. His life inspired subsequent generations to strive for independence and progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

A photo of Sükhbaatar and his wife, Yanjmaa (left).