Nurhaci the Great (top and bottom)

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) in 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 inherited from his father and grandfather, proclaiming himself "King." He led the Manchu Eight Banners to fight across the Bai Shan and Hei Shui regions. Fearless of formidable enemies and undeterred by heavy setbacks, he established his authority through bravery and earned the loyalty 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 and proclaimed himself Khan, naming his state Da Jin (historically known as Later Jin). 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 and declared war on the Ming Dynasty, marking the beginning of the arduous founding of 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, and died in August 1626 (the 11th year of the Tianming era). At the age of 68, he was buried east of Shenyang City, known as "Fuling." His temple name is "Taizu."