Taiji (Mongol title)

Taiji is the title of the nobility among the Mongols from the 16th century. (It is not to be confused with taishi, which was always given to non-royal blood nobles.) The title originated from Chinese Taizi (heir apparent son of the emperor) and was first used for the proliferating aristocracy composed of sons and descendants of Batu-Möngke Dayan Khan (1480?–1517?). This is the same as Khung Tayji and after the 15th century, the Mongolians used its short form Taiji and, unlike the previous period, princes of the Oirats held the title as well at the same time.