Sanal Molotkov, The Military Origin of Arvn Groupings

Abstract

Sanal says that historically the Kalmyks were divided into otog, tribes and arvn groupings. Each tribe consisted of several arvns, which were originally military units. Each arvn in its turn consisted of several families that during a time of war were expected to provide 10 warriors. Hence the word arvn means ten. These families were not necessarily related by blood. Later Sanal talks about Mongolian warriors, cavalry, their military equipment and techniques.