The History of Önisch Family

As shown in the video, this is a conversation with Gonchig about his family, the Önisch lineage. Following is the content of the conversation. When I was seventeen, Arimpil, one of the renowned Jangar singers in Hobogsair, shared this story with me. My older sister was married to Arimpil’s younger brother, and during my visits to her in the countryside, Arimpil often summoned me to read Jangar from a book published by Xinjiang People’s Publication House. In his yurt, I observed him engaging in discussions about the history of Hobogsair with Nogalai Lürev, another knowledgeable elder celebrated not only amongst Buddhist lamas but also by the public. The most astonishing aspect was his remarkable ability to remember Jangar. After reading two chapters to him once, he could flawlessly sing them. My ancestor was the keyholder (mong. Önisch) during the great migration, and only a young child was left when all family members passed away during the journey. After the Torghuts settled in Hobogsair, Tsebegdorj, the Noyan of Hobogsair Torghuts, undertook a journey to the 49 Banners in Inner Mongolia to marry a daughter of an aristocratic family. The young child also went on this journey as a servant. On their return, completing the marriage with the bride’s group, the keyholder at the time lost his keys and was unable to open boxes without causing damage. The young child, utilising some spells he had learned from his uncle during the Torghuts’ migration, successfully opened the locks and was officially recognised as the key holder by the Tsebegdorj, following his parents’ position. In recognition of this family’s secret knowledge, Tsebegdorj awarded him a large golden lock and included him in his own Sum with an iron horse brand known as Gahuuli. Since then, he has been renowned as Önisch. From Önisch to today, we have lived in Hobogsair for six generations – originated from Önisch, Öökhelei, and Lalai. Lalai had three children and they formed three large families: Shar Hovg, Mönkhbayar, and Arslan. Shar Hovg, Tagai, ...