Ajige

Ajige (Manchu: ᠠᠵᡳᡤᡝ, Mölendroff: ajige; 28 August 1605 – 28 November 1651) was a Manchu prince and military general during the early Qing dynasty. He was a member of the Aisin Gioro clan, the imperial family of the Qing, and the twelfth son of Nurhaci, the khan of the Later Jin dynasty, which later became the Qing dynasty.

Born in 1605, Ajige held various noble titles during his lifetime. In 1636, he was granted the title "Prince Wuying of the Second Rank" (武英郡王). In 1644, he was promoted to "Prince Ying of the First Rank," reflecting his status within the Qing aristocracy.

Ajige was actively involved in the military campaigns led by the Manchu forces, notably participating in the conquest of the Ming dynasty. His military service and noble status positioned him as a prominent figure during this period of expansion.

Following the death of Dorgon, a key regent and influential figure in early Qing rule, Ajige attempted to assert himself by seizing the position of Prince-Regent, a role previously held by Dorgon. His attempt was unsuccessful; he was discovered and subsequently placed under arrest. In 1651, the Shunzhi Emperor, who had established his authority, compelled Ajige to commit suicide.

Physically, Ajige was described by Japanese travelers as a formidable and vigorous warrior, characterized by a hot temper and notable combat experience. Records indicate he had fiercely expressive eyes, which some sources noted as appearing abnormally ferocious.

Regarding his family, Ajige was married to two primary consorts and had multiple children, including sons who held noble titles. His first primary consort belonged to the Sirin Gioro clan; their son Hedu was granted the title Prince of the Fourth Rank and lived from 1619 to 1646. His second primary consort was from the Khorchin Borjigit clan; their sons included Fulehe (Duke of the First Rank, 1629–1660), Louqin (Prince of the First Rank, 1634–1661), and Tongsai (ninth son, 1641–1701).

Additional children included Mo'erxun, born in 1635; Laoquin, who died in 1651; and other sons and daughters, some of whom married prominent figures such as Mingju of the Yehe Nara clan. Notably, Ajige's daughter married Ebilun, son of Eidu and Princess Mukushen.

The ancestry of Ajige traces back through the ruling Aisin Gioro lineage, with his father being Nurhaci, a founding figure of the Qing state.

References for Ajige's life include the "Draft History of Qing" (Qing Shi Gao) by Zhao Erxun and scholarly works such as Arthur W. Hummel Sr.'s "Eminent Chinese of the Ch’ing Period."