Early years Bilge Qaghan was born in 683, in the early years of the
Second Turkic Khaganate. He campaigned alongside his father from early childhood. He was made Tardush Shad and given command over the western wing of the khaganate in 697 by
Qapaghan Qaghan. He annihilated
Wei Yuanzhong's army in 701 with his brother. He also reconquered the
Basmyl tribes in 703. He subdued
Yenisei Kyrgyz forces in 709, after their disobedience he reconquered them and killed their qaghan in 710. He killed the
Türgesh khagan
Saqal at the
Battle of Bolchu. In the later years of Qapaghan's reign, he fought four battles in the span of a starting in 714, resubduing tribes, He was nearly was killed in an ambush from
Uyghur forces in 716.
Reign . Qapaghan Qaghan was killed in 716 during his campaign against the
Toquz Oghuz alliance with his severed head being sent to
Chang'an. Although his son
Inel Qaghan succeeded him, Bilge's brother
Kul Tigin and
Tonyukuk carried out a
coup d'état against Inel Qaghan. They killed him and made him Bilge qaghan. In 733, he defeated rebellious Khitan tribes. He did not die immediately and had time to punish the family of Buyruk Chor with death. He died on 25 November 734, his burial ceremony took place on 22 June 735. == Religious policy ==