Manggala was born around 1242 to Kublai Khan and his principal wife Chabi as their second son.[1] He was created Prince of Anxi (安西王) by his father in 1272 and was given an estate in Shanxi.[2] Next year, he was given the additional title of Prince of Qin (秦王). His lands consisted of vast lands containing former Tangut Kingdom, Sichuan and a part of Tibet. Reportedly, he had two courts - a winter court in Jingzhao and a summer residence in Mount Liupan.[3] He was probably overseeing the actions of other princes - Godan (son of Ögedei), Wang Shixian (an Öngüt prince), Jiqu Küregen, Chübei (son of Alghu). His advisors included Shang Ting, Li Dehui (1218–1280) and Zhao Bing (1222-1280). His palaces were described by Marco Polo as massive.[4]
Manggala was a Buddhist, but he also protected the Taoist Quanzhen School, confirmed tax exemption on clergy.[3] He joined the fight against Shiregi with Bayan and other rebels in 1277. Soon in 1280, he died. The cause of his death is not known but a Ming-era historian Zheng Sixiao claimed he was murdered by Kublai.[3]
Family
He was married to Qutui or Putri, granddaughter[3] or niece[5] of Alchi Noyan and had two or three sons and daughter:
Ananda (b. 1273, d. 1307) — Prince of Anxi (1278-1307), Prince of Qin (1278-1287)