Erdeni Batur

Erdeni Batur (Mongolian: Эрдэнэ Баатар Хунтайж; ; d. 1653) was a Choros-Oirat prince generally considered to be the founder of the Dzungar Khanate, centered in the Dzungaria region, currently in north-westernmost part of China.

Early life Erdeni Batur was the son of Kharkhul After the death of his father in 1634, Erdeni Batur assumed his father's position and formed the Dzungar Khanate on the Tarbagatai Mountains, marrying Amin Dara. He also promoted Buddhism to his subjects such as the Clear Script, and encouraged them to resettle to the new capital on the new monastery as new buildings were constructed.

He also assisted Güshi Khan and his brother, Kundulun Ubashi, to move a substantial part of the Khoshut-Oirat tribe from the Lake Zaisan area to the area around Qinghai Lake – what the Mongols call Kokonoor and the Tibetans called Amdo – in 1636, where they soon would establish the Khoshut Khanate.

War against the Kazakhs In 1635, Erdeni batur invaded the Kazakh Khanate, and captured Jangir Khan at the Ili river defeating Uzbek relief forces. However his army was soon defeated at the Battle of Orbulaq, facing a large counterinvasion force of 22,600 men, losing heavy casualties of around ten thousand men.

In 1646, he attempted another invasion against the Kazakhs, capturing Sairam and Turkistan as well forcing the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz civilians into a vassalage. But soon Bukharans relieved the captured cities and with another defeat, he requested for Khoshut assistance, with sending Ochirtu Khan's son Galdamba to fight the Kazakhs.

Decline and death Erdeni Batur continued to consolidate his power, preparing the Dzungar Khanate for its attack upon the Qing for control over Central Asia. Upon his death in 1653, Erdeni Batur was succeeded by his third son, Sengge.