What is kaidu?

Kaidu, also known as Kaidu Khan, was a Mongol prince and military commander who lived from 1230 to 1301. He was a descendant of Genghis Khan and belonged to the Chagatai Khanate, a division of the Mongol Empire.

Kaidu was known for his military prowess and strategic intelligence, and he played a significant role in the power struggles within the Mongol Empire during the late 13th century. He often clashed with his cousin Kublai Khan, who eventually became the Great Khan and established the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Despite their frequent conflicts, Kaidu and Kublai Khan also formed alliances at various points in time to combat common enemies. Kaidu was a fierce opponent of Kublai Khan and resisted his attempts to centralize power within the empire.

Kaidu was known for his support of traditional Mongol values and customs, and he was a strong advocate for the preservation of the nomadic way of life. He was also a patron of the arts and culture, and he supported the work of many poets and scholars during his reign.

Kaidu died in 1301, and his descendants continued to play important roles in the political landscape of Central Asia for many years. He is remembered as a skilled military leader and a key figure in the history of the Mongol Empire.