Khalkha Mongols

The Khalkha (/ˈkælkə, ˈkɑːlkə/; Mongolian: Халх ᠬᠠᠯᠬ᠎ᠠ [ˈχa̠ɬχ]) have been the largest subgroup of the Mongols^[3] in modern Mongolia since the 15th century. The Khalkha, together with Chahars, Ordos and Tumed, were directly ruled by Borjigin khans until the 20th century. In contrast, the Oirats were ruled by Dzungar nobles and the Khorchins were ruled by Qasar's descendants.

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, Iljigin; 3) Gorlos, Keregut; 4) Khuree, Khoroo, Tsookhor; 5) Khukhuid, Khatagin; 6) Tanghut, Sartuul; and 7) Uriankhai^[4] became subjects of Dayan Khan's youngest (could be third) son Geresenje (Mongolian: Гэрсэнз Жалайр Хан). Khotogoids are close in culture and language to the Khalkha Mongols.^[5]

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 also regarded as Khalkha Mongols rather than belonging to 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).

The Khalkha or Halh dialect is the standard written language of Mongolia.^[6]