| Kheshig | |
|---|---|
| Keshik | |
| Country | Mongol Empire Qing dynasty |
| Branch | Cavalry (ranged) |
Kheshig (Mongolian: Хишигтэн; also Khishig, Keshik, Khishigten; lit. "favored", "blessed") were the imperial guard and shock troops for Mongol royalty in the Mongol Empire, particularly for rulers like Genghis Khan and his wife Börte. Their primary purpose was to act as bodyguards for the emperors and other important nobles. They were divided into two groups: the day guard (Torguud) and the night guard (Khevtuul). They were distinct from the regular army and would not go to battle with them, instead staying back on guard duty. Their supreme commander was called the Cherbi.[1]
Because the Mongol Empire spanned most of Eurasia, its impacts on Mongol controlled-areas led to the creation of imperial guards like the Keshik. Kheshig was the term used for the palace guards of the Mughal emperors in India, and also for the matchlocks and sabres, which were changed weekly from Akbar the Great's armoury for the royal use. The royal guards in Persia who watched the King's person at night were also called Keshikchi.[2]
- ^ Haqqi, Anwarul Haque (2010). Chingiz Khan: The Life and Legacy of an Empire Builder. Primus Books. ISBN 978-81-908918-9-9.
- ^ Henry Hoyle Howorth History of the Mongols: From the 9th to the 19th Century, p.399