Khalkha Mongols

The Khalkha or Halh (; Mongolian: Халх ᠬᠠᠯᠬ ᠠ [ˈχa̠ɬχ]) have been the largest subgroup of the Mongols in what is now Mongolia since the 15th century. The Khalkha, together with Chahars, Ordos and Tumed, were directly ruled by Borjigin khans until the 20th century. Most now speak Khalkha or Halh, which is the standard written language of Mongolia. In contrast, the Oirats were ruled by Dzungar nobles and the Khorchins were ruled by Qasar's descendants, and they speak distinct varieties: Oirat and Khorchin. The two original major Khalkha groups were ruled by the direct male line descendants of Dayan Khan. The Baarin, Khongirad, Jaruud, Bayaud and the O'zeed (Ujeed) became the subjects of Dayan Khan's fifth son Achibolod. They formed the Southern Five Halhs. Seven northern Khalkha otogs: 1) Jalairs, Olkhonud; 2) Besut, Eljigin; 3) Gorlos, Keregut; 4) Khuree, Khoroo, Tsookhor; 5) Khukhuid, Katagans; 6) Tanghut, Sartuul; and 7) Uriankhai became subjects of Dayan Khan's youngest (could be third) son Gersenji prince (Mongolian: Гэрсэнз Жалайр Хан). Khotogoids are close in culture and language to the Khalkha Mongols. There were also numerous direct descendants of Genghis Khan who had formed the ruling class of the Khalkha Mongols prior to the 20th century, but they were, and still are, regarded as Khalkha Mongols rather than members of a special unit. The Thirteen Khalkhas of the Far North are the major subethnic group of the independent state of Mongolia. They number 2,659,985 (83.8% of Mongolia's population).