Overview
Ambaqai of the Taichiud clan led the Khamag Mongol after Qabul Khan. The Secret History gives his death in detail because it set the Mongols against the Tatars and the Jin for half a century.
Rise to Power
Qabul Khan chose him as successor ahead of his own sons.
Rule and Achievements
- Led the confederation after Qabul
- Was seized by the Tatars while escorting his daughter to her marriage among them, and handed over to the Jin emperor
- Was put to death by the Jin; before he died he sent word to Qutula and his son Qadaan to avenge him
Legacy
Qutula Khan succeeded him and fought the Tatars to avenge him. Genghis Khan cited Ambaqai's death when he went to war with the Jin in 1211. The Taichiud, his clan, later became rivals of the young Temüjin. Dates for the three Khamag Mongol khans are approximate; the Secret History gives their order but no years, and modern estimates differ.