Amursana

Amursana (also spelled Amarsanaa) was a Mongolian prince of the Khoit tribe in the mid-18th century. He is primarily known for his role in leading a rebellion against the Qing Dynasty in 1755, along with Dawachi, the leader of the Oirat Mongols. The rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful and led to the near-complete destruction of the Oirat Mongol population in what is now Xinjiang.

Amursana initially submitted to the Qing Dynasty after the Dzungar Khanate was defeated. However, resentment simmered due to Qing policies and perceived interference in Mongol affairs. In 1755, he allied with Dawachi and launched a revolt. While initially successful in some areas, the Qing forces, under the command of Emperor Qianlong, swiftly suppressed the rebellion.

Following the rebellion's failure, Amursana fled to Russia, seeking refuge. The Qing Dynasty demanded his extradition, but the Russians refused. Amursana subsequently died of smallpox in Russian territory in 1757.

His actions, particularly the rebellion against the Qing, significantly impacted the political landscape of the region. The Qing Dynasty used the rebellion as justification for a brutal campaign against the Oirat Mongols, leading to a massive population decline and the redrawing of borders. Amursana remains a controversial figure in Mongolian history, viewed by some as a nationalist hero and by others as a reckless leader whose actions led to tragedy.