Kalmucks, a branch of the Mongolian family inhabiting extensive regions in the Chinese and Russian empires. The Tartar name Khalimick signifies renegades. There are four principal tribes. They are a nomadic race, with a barbaric history running back through many centuries. The descendants of the famous Genghis Khan still rule one of the tribes. Wealth with them consists chiefly in flocks and herds. In Russia there now are about 120,000 Kalmucks, living mostly in Astrakhan. In religion most are Buddhists, but some are Mohammedans and a smaller number Christians.
