Darkhad

The Darkhad (Mongolian: Дархад [tár̥χət]) are a subgroup of the Mongols living mainly in northern Mongolia; particularly in the Bayanzürkh, Ulaan-Uul, Renchinlkhümbe, Tsagaannuur Districts of Khövsgöl Province. They speak a regional variant of Mongolian known as the Darkhad dialect. As of the 2000 census, 16,268 people identified themselves as Darkhad. The Darkhad were originally part of the Oirat Mongols or Khotgoid branch of the Khalkha Mongols. Between 1549 and 1686, they were subjects of Zasagt Khanate of Khalkha Mongols and the Khotgoid Altan Khanate of Khalkha Mongols. In 1786 they became part of the Jebtsundamba Khutuktu's shabi otog. At roughly the same time they became known as Black Darkhad. Many Darkhad practise Mongolian shamanism. The Darkhad valley is named after them.