The Dzungar Khanate was a Mongol state that existed in Central Asia during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was primarily located in what is now western China, Kazakhstan, and parts of Mongolia. The khanate was established by the Dzungar people, a branch of the Oirat Mongols, and became a significant power in the region, known for its military strength and trade routes. The Dzungar Khanate played a crucial role in the interactions between various empires, including the Qing Dynasty of China and the Russian Empire. Its decline began in the mid-18th century due to internal strife and military campaigns by the Qing, leading to its eventual dissolution by 1758.