Marriage Alliance Between Jochi and Toghrul's Family

The marriage alliance between Jochi, the son of Temüjin, and one of Toghrul's daughters was proposed as a strategic move to strengthen Temüjin's position among the tribes of the Mongolian steppe. This proposal was met with skepticism by the Kereit elite, particularly by Toghrul's son, Senggum, who perceived it as an attempt by Temüjin to exert control over their tribe. The Kereit leadership was wary of Temüjin's rising influence, especially given his practice of promoting commoners to high ranks, which threatened the established social hierarchy of the steppe aristocracy. In response to the marriage proposal, Toghrul sought to eliminate the perceived threat by attempting to ambush Temüjin, reflecting the intense power struggles and political maneuvering characteristic of the time. However, the ambush plot was foiled when two herdsmen overheard Toghrul's plans and informed Temüjin. Despite this warning, Temüjin faced a significant setback at the Battle of Qalaqaljid Sands, where he was defeated by Toghrul's forces. Following this defeat, Temüjin retreated to Baljuna, where he regrouped his scattered forces. It was during this period that he made the Baljuna Covenant, a pivotal moment in which he reaffirmed his commitment to his loyal followers. This covenant not only solidified the loyalty of his men but also laid the groundwork for Temüjin's future campaigns, ultimately leading to his rise as Genghis Khan and the unification of the Mongolian tribes.