The Lanikaz were one of seven original tribes that made up the Kimek confederation, along with the Imur[2]/Imi,[3] Imak[2][3] Tatar, Kipchak, Bayandur, and Ajlad.
[4] The Kimek tribes originated in the Central Asian steppes and had migrated to the territory of present-day Kazakhstan.
[2] S. M. Akhindjanov connected the name Nilkaz to the Nilkan clan of the Mongolian tribe of Djalayir.
The location of the Kimek Laktan 落坦 (Luotan < MC: *lɑk̚-tʰɑnX)[a], before the Kimek's return to the area of Black Irtysh, in the Chinese annals is described as east from the lake Külün on the northern left bank of the river Argun.
[9][10][11] Zuev observes that Chinese annals contain a 'number of messages about congratulatory visits of Kimeks-Laktans to Chang'an, attesting to the political importance of this tribe.