Zakhchin
The Zakhchin is a subgroup of the Oirats residing in Khovd Province, Mongolia.
Zakhchin means 'Frontiersmen'. They are so called because they originated from the border garrison of the Dzungar Khanate. They originally spoke the Zakhchin dialect of the Oirat language, but actually pure Oirat language is used by elder generations, younger generations use a dialect being under a strong Khalkha influence.
History
The Zakhchins conquered by the Manchus of the Qing dynasty in 1754 and controlled by Zasagt Khan aimag's Tsevdenjav gün, then moved to Zereg and Shar Khulsan. One Banner with 4 sums were designated for them and noble Maamad zaisan became the chieftain but Mamuud killed by Zungharian king Amarsanaa later and the Zakhchins revolted together with Amursana against the Qing.The sums were:
- Bichgiin meeren's sum
- Güüj zan's sum
- Baljinnyam zahiragch sum
- Jantsandorj's sum or Hoit sum
- Guniikhen
During the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia, Zakhchin was subject to Dörbet Ünen Zorigt Khan aimag. The south Banner is called Goviinkhon "people of the Gobi", while the north was called the Shiliinkhen "people of the mountain range".
Clans
Zakhchin has 16 tamga and 30 clans. Some of them are:- Donjooniikhon
- Damjaaniikhan
- Shurdaankhan
- Baykhiinkhan
- Emchiinkhen
- Khereid
- Tsagaan Yas
- Aatiinkhan
- Dumiyenkhen
- Burd Tariachin
- Adsagiinkhan
- Tavagzaaniikhan
- Nokhoikhon
- Khotonguud
- Khurmshtiinkhan
- Mukhlainkhan
Number
Famous Zakhchins in modern Mongolia
- Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who is a former President of Mongolia
- Damdingiin Demberel, who is current speaker of State Parliament
- Rinchinnyamyn Amarjargal, who is a former Prime [Minister of Mongolia]
Literature
Category:Mongols
Category:Mongol peoples
Category:Ethnic groups in Mongolia
Category:Oirats