What is "merkit"

The Merkit (, lit. "skillful/wise ones") was one of the five major tribal confederations (khanlig) of the Mongols in the 12th century Mongolian Plateau.

The Merkits lived in the basins of the Selenga and lower Orkhon River (modern south Buryatia and Selenge Province). After a struggle of over 20 years, they were defeated in 1200 by Genghis Khan and incorporated the Mongol Empire.