The Chiefdom of Lijiang (simplified Chinese: 丽江土司; traditional Chinese: 麗江土司; pinyin: Lìjiāng tǔsī; Naxi: Yiggv Tufsil) was a Nakhi autonomous Tusi chiefdom that ruled Lijiang during Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty.

Chiefdom of Lijiang
麗江土司
?–1723
StatusNative Chiefdom of China
CapitalLijiang
Common languagesNaxi language
GovernmentMonarchy
Jang Sadam Gyalpo 
• ?–?
A-ts'ung A-liang (first)
• ?–1390
Mu De
• 1597–1623
Mu Zeng
• 1722–1723
Mu Zhong (last)
History 
• Established
?
• Disestablished
1723
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Dali Kingdom
Qing dynasty
Today part ofChina

History

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At first, Lijiang was ruled by Yuexi Zhao (越巂詔). Later, it was annexed by Nanzhao. According to legend, ancestor Lijiang chieftains was a Mongol.

Mongolians invaded the Dali in 1253. Moubao Acong (牟保阿琮), the chieftain of Lijiang, surrendered to the Mongol Empire. His son was granted the title Lijiang Lu Xuanweishi (麗江路宣慰使) by Yuan dynasty.

After the Ming dynasty came into power, the chieftain Ajia Ade swore allegiance to the Ming dynasty. Hongwu Emperor gave him the Chinese name "Mu De" (木得). From then on, chieftains of Lijiang also had Chinese name; they started to use Chinese surname Mu (木). They received the official position "Magistrate of Lijiang" (麗江知府) from Chinese emperor.

Chieftains of Lijiang helped Ming China in Ming conquest of Yunnan and Luchuan–Pingmian campaigns. They also seized many territories from neighbouring chiefdoms.

Lijiang saw its golden age during Mu Zeng's reign; It became the most powerful in present-day southwestern China. Lijiang attacked Gyalrong people frequently, and invaded Kingdom of Chakla. King of Chakla had to appeal for China's help. However, Mu Zeng promised to Chinese that he would offer soldiers in Ming–Manchu War. It was a successful diplomatic effort, Ming China did nothing but send an envoy to Lijiang to call for a cease-fire.

After Manchu conquest of China, chieftain Mu Yi (木懿) swore allegiance to Manchu Qing dynasty. In 1673, Wu Sangui revolted against Qing dynasty. Mu Yi rejected to swear allegiance to Wu Sangui, and was thrown into prison. Mu Yi was released after the rebellion was put down, and restored.

The Chiefdom of Lijiang was abolished by Yongzheng Emperor in 1723. Since then, the magistrates of Lijiang were all Han Chinese; they were appointed by Chinese emperor directly. The leader of Mu family was granted the title Tǔ Tōngpàn (土通判) from Chinese court, but had no real power.

Culture

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Lijiang culture was deeply influenced by both Chinese and Tibetan culture. Nakhi people accepted Confucianism. Many chieftains were well-educated. Mu Tai (木泰), Mu Gong [zh] (木公), Mu Gao (木高), Mu Qing (木青), Mu Zeng (木增) and Mu Jing (木靖) were good at writing Chinese poetry.

In 1639, Xu Xiake, a Chinese travel writer, came to Lijiang. Xu was warmly welcomed by Mu Zeng.[1]

Many Nakhi people also accepted the Tibetan Buddhism. Chieftain Mu Zeng provided shelter for Chöying Dorje, 10th Karmapa.

Old Town of Lijiang was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 4, 1997.[2]

List of Lijiang chieftains

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Portrait Nakhi name Chinese name Reign Notes
  Acong Aliang
阿琮阿良
?–?
  Aliang Ahu
阿良阿胡
?–?
  Ahu Alie
阿胡阿烈
?–?
  Alie Ajia
阿烈阿甲
?–?
  Ajia Ade
阿甲阿得
Mu De
木得
?–1390 started to use the surname "Mu"
  Ade Achu
阿得阿初
Mu Chu
木初
1390–1416
  Achu Adu
阿初阿土
Mu Tu
木土
1416–1433
  Adu Adi
阿土阿地
Mu Sen
木森
1433–1442
  Adi Axi
阿地阿習
Mu Qin
木嶔
1442–1485
  Axi Aya
阿習阿牙
Mu Tai
木泰
1485–1502
  Aya Aqiu
阿牙阿秋
Mu Ding
木定
1502–1526
  Aqiu Agong
阿秋阿公
Mu Gong [zh]
木公
1526–1553
  Agong Amu
阿公阿目
Mu Gao
木高
1553–1568
  Amu Adu
阿目阿都
Mu Dong
木東
1568–1579
  Adu Asheng
阿都阿勝
Mu Wang
木旺
1579–1596
  Asheng Azhai
阿勝阿宅
Mu Qing
木青
1596–1597
  Azhai Asi
阿宅阿寺
Mu Zeng
木增
1597–1623
  Asi Achun
阿寺阿春
Mu Yi
木懿
1623–1669
Achun Asu
阿春阿俗
Mu Jing
木靖
1669–1671
  Mu You
木櫾
1671–1680
  Asu Awei
阿俗阿胃
Mu Yao
木堯
1680–1684
  Aw-Wùa Aw-Khü[3] Mu Xing
木興
1684–1720
  Aw-Khü A-dzu[4] Mu Zhong
木鐘
1722–1723 title abolished in 1723

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 徐霞客与木增青铜像落户丽江
  2. ^ "Old Town of Lijiang". UNESCO. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  3. ^ written as "Awei Ahui" (阿胃阿揮) in Chinese translated version
  4. ^ written as "Ahui Azhu" (阿揮阿住) in Chinese translate version

Sources

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