Nurhaci the Great

Author: Gu He
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: He transformed a nation without written language into a mighty army; he sounded the death knell for the Ming Dynasty; he laid a solid foundation for the Qing Empire! Nurhaci, surnamed Aisin Gioro, styled Shule Bile, was born in Hету City (Xinbin County, Liaoning Province) of a Manchu slave owner's family in the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1559). In the 11th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1583), Nurhaci rose with determination, raising an army with the 13 pieces of armor left by his father and grandfather, declaring himself "King." He led the Manchu Banners to fight between the Bai Shan and Hei Shan for over 30 years. Faced with great enemies, he was not afraid; despite heavy injuries, he did not yield. Establishing his prestige through bravery, he gained the support of his followers, unifying the various Jurchen tribes and promoting the development of Jurchen society and the formation of the Manchu community. In the 44th year of the Wanli reign (1616), he established the era name and proclaimed himself Khagan in Hету, founding the state of Da Jin (known in history as Later Jin). As Nurhaci's military strength grew, his influence expanded. In the 46th year of the Wanli reign (1618), he offered the "Seven Grievances" to the heavens and swore to attack the Ming Dynasty, marking the beginning of the arduous efforts to establish the Qing Dynasty. In the annals of Chinese history, his wisdom and achievements will endure for all time. In the battle of Ningyuan against the Ming general Yuan Chenghuan, he suffered a heavy defeat and injuries, passing away in August of the 11th year of the Tianming reign (1626) at the age of 68. He was buried in Fuling in the east of Shenyang City, known as the "Fuling Mausoleum." His temple name is "Taizu."