Nurhaci the Great

Author: Gu He
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: He turned 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 1559 during the 38th year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty in Houtaala City (Xinbin County, Liaoning Province) of the left guard of the Jianzhou tribe, belonging to a Manchu slave-owning family. In 1583 (the 11th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty), Nurhaci rose in defiance, raising an army with 13 suits of armor left by his father and grandfather, proclaiming himself "King." He led the Manchu Eight Banners to fight between the Bai Shan and Hei Shan, fearless in the face of great enemies, undaunted by heavy losses, establishing his reputation through bravery and earning the support of his followers. Over a period of more than 30 years, he unified the various Jurchen tribes, promoted the development of Jurchen society, and facilitated the formation of the Manchu community. In 1616 (the 44th year of the Wanli era), he established the era name in Houtaala, proclaimed himself Khan, and named his state Da Jin (later known as Later Jin in history). As Nurhaci's military power grew, his influence expanded. In 1618 (the 46th year of the Wanli era), he offered the "Seven Grievances" to the heavens, taking an oath to launch a campaign against 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 Chonghuan, he suffered a decisive defeat and was wounded, dying in August 1626 (the 11th year of the Tianming era). At the age of 68, he was buried in Fuling (the Eastern Mausoleum) in Shenyang, and his temple name was given as Taizu.