Bayan of the Merkid

Bayan of the Merkit (died 1340), or Bayan , was a Mongol general of the Merkit clan and an official in the Yuan dynasty.

Life Bayan was born into a family with military background. Many of his family members had served as soldiers during the Mongol conquest of Eurasia. In 1307, Bayan himself received the title "Baturu".

During the reign of Külüg Khan (Emperor Wuzong of Yuan), Bayan was appointed to a number of positions in the court. He became a Darughachi in 1309, and then held several provincial posts during the reign of Ayurbarwada Buyantu Khan (Emperor Renzong of Yuan), namely the Tong Pingzhangshi (vaguely, the "vice prime minister") of Jiangzhe province, Jiangxi province and Henan province. while he is seen as a violent aristocrat by some.

In 1328 Bayan rendered great service during the enthronement of Jayaatu Khan Tugh Temür (Emperor Wenzong of Yuan). The Khan rewarded him with the position of left chancellor, along with countless pieces of gold and silver as well as privileges in the court. In 1339 he became grand chancellor . By then, he had probably gone too far. In any case, he was toppled in 1340 by his nephew Toqto'a. Shortly after that, his purges were called off and his policies were reversed.

According to Chinese historians, Toqto complained to his father that his uncle Bayan's authoritarian tendencies might bring disaster on their clan. Toghon Temür, the emperor, also began to worry about the exceedingly ostentatious power of Bayan. Wu Zhifang, a Confucian scholar in the court, suggested Toqto take action against Bayan. In the end, Bayan was removed from the central theatre of the imperial court.

In popular culture Portrayed by Kim Young-ho in the 2013 television series Empress Ki.