The famous Mongol military leader, who was the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China and the grandson of Genghis Khan, was

The correct answer is Qubilai Khan.

Key Points

• Qubilai Khan, also spelled Kublai Khan, was a prominent Mongol military leader and the grandson of Genghis Khan.
• He founded the Yuan Dynasty in China in 1271, unifying China under Mongol rule.
• Qubilai Khan became the first non-Chinese emperor to rule all of China and established Beijing (then called Khanbaliq) as the capital.
• He was known for his administrative reforms, including the introduction of paper currency and promoting trade through the Silk Road.
• Qubilai Khan's rule marked a significant era in the expansion of the Mongol Empire and the integration of diverse cultures.

Additional Information

• Genghis Khan:
  • Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history.
  • He unified the Mongol tribes in 1206 and embarked on conquests across Asia and Europe.
  • Genghis Khan is the grandfather of Qubilai Khan.
• Yuan Dynasty:
  • The Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) was established by Qubilai Khan, marking the first time China was ruled by a foreign power.
  • The dynasty adopted a hierarchical administrative structure that combined Mongol and Chinese practices.
• Silk Road:
  • The Silk Road was a major trade route connecting East and West, flourishing under Mongol rule.
  • Qubilai Khan encouraged trade and cultural exchange along this route, fostering connections between Asia and Europe.
• Marco Polo:
  • The Venetian explorer Marco Polo visited Qubilai Khan's court and documented his travels in "The Travels of Marco Polo."
  • His accounts provide valuable insights into the Mongol Empire and Qubilai Khan's reign.