Shar Darkhad

Not to be confused with Darkhad.

The Shar Darkhad, Dalhut,^[1] or Darhut^[2] (Mongolian for "Untouchables",^[3] "Protected Ones"; Chinese: 达尔扈特, pinyin: Dá'ěrhùtè) are a subgroup of Mongol people living mainly in Inner Mongolia in northern China.^[2]

Shar Darkhad

Regions with significant populations
Languages
Ordos Mongolian
Religion
Predominantly Tibetan Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Mongols, Mongols in China, Ordos Mongols

In 1947, 2071 people from 462 households were eligible to be Darkhad.^[4] They were liable for maintaining the Great Khan's mausoleum at their own expense prior to the erection of a permanent government-owned structure in 1954–6.^[4] The Darkhad believe they are the direct descendants of the soul guards of Genghis Khan.^[5]

See also

• Mausoleum of Genghis Khan