Titles in Mongolia have a history dating back to the time of the Mongol Empire. For example, the title of Baatar (“Hero”) was traditionally awarded to military leaders. At the beginning of the 20th Century, Russia played a key role in establishing Mongolia's independence from China. To honour this contribution, the Order of the Vajra (translated as the “Order of the Precious Rod”) was created for Mongolian nobility and foreigners, the latter were almost exclusively Russians. The order was abolished after the Mongolian Revolution of 1921.