Daišan

Daišan (Manchu: ; 19 August 1583 – 25 November 1648) was a member of the Aisin Gioro clan and an influential figure during the early Qing dynasty. He was born in the region historically associated with Manchu China, as the second son of Nurhaci, the founder of the Qing dynasty. His mother was Lady Tunggiya, Nurhaci's first consort. Daišan was an older half-brother of Hong Taiji, Nurhaci's successor.

During Nurhaci's reign, Daišan distinguished himself in military campaigns. In 1607, he participated in Nurhaci's campaign against the Ula clan and its beile Bujantai, aiding Šurhaci and Cuyen. In recognition of his efforts, he was granted the title of "Guyen Baturu," which translates to "exploring hero." He continued to showcase his military capabilities in 1613 during additional conflicts with the Ula clan.

In 1616, when Nurhaci proclaimed himself khan and established the Later Jin dynasty, Daišan was appointed as beile of a special rank to assist in governing. He was one of the four senior beiles, alongside Amin, Manggūltai, and Hong Taiji, who played key roles in the state. From 1618 to 1622, he served as a leading general and held the position of captain of the Plain Red Banner of the Eight Banners. His leadership contributed to significant military successes, including the capture of Fushun in 1618, the victory at the Battle of Sarhū in 1619, and the occupation of Shenyang in 1621. Starting in 1621, Daišan and the other senior beiles served as assistants to Nurhaci, rotating in directing state affairs.

Following the death of Nurhaci at the Battle of Ningyuan in 1626, Daišan played a role in the peaceful transition of power, helping to secure Hong Taiji's accession as khan. Until 1629, Daišan and other senior officials continued to assist Hong Taiji as he consolidated authority. Between 1629 and 1634, Daišan participated in many of Hong Taiji’s military campaigns against the Ming dynasty.

In 1636, Hong Taiji declared himself emperor, renaming the dynasty from "Later Jin" to "Qing." Daišan was conferred the title of "Prince Li of the First Rank" and received the designation of "Elder Brother." After Hong Taiji's death in 1643, a succession dispute ensued. Daišan initially supported Hong Taiji’s eldest son, Hooge, but he declined the throne. Other nobles considered Dorgon for succession, but he refused on grounds of loyalty. The matter was ultimately resolved when Hong Taiji’s nine-year-old son Fulin was proclaimed emperor as the Shunzhi Emperor, with Dorgon and Jirgalang serving as co-regents.

Daišan supported Fulin’s claim and uncovered a conspiracy by nobles—including his own son Šoto and grandson Adali—to usurp power by supporting Dorgon. He exposed the plot and ordered the execution of the conspirators.

Throughout his career, Daišan demonstrated allegiance to the imperial clan and was involved in the administration of the dynasty. In 1643, he led a council of princes to appoint Jirgalang and Dorgon as co-regents. In 1644, he moved to Beijing with Dorgon and continued to serve until his death in 1648.

Posthumously, Daišan received honors that recognized his contributions. In 1671, the Kangxi Emperor awarded him the posthumous name "Lie." Later, in 1754, the Qianlong Emperor ordered his inclusion in the Temple of Princes at Mukden. In 1778, his name was listed among notable early Qing figures in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The titles awarded to him and his descendants were maintained and elevated over time.

Daišan fathered eight sons. His son Mandahai inherited the Prince of the First Rank title, which was later transferred to his grandson, Giyesu. Other notable sons included Yoto, who was granted the title "Prince Keqin of the Second Rank," and Sahaliyen, who held the title "Prince Ying of the First Rank." His family line continued to hold noble titles until the end of the Qing dynasty.

== Family Background and Ancestry ==

Daišan's primary consorts belonged to prominent Manchu clans, including the Ligiya, Yehe Nara, Hada Nara, and Borjigit clans. His children’s titles and marriages reflected alliances with various noble families within the Manchu aristocracy.

== References ==

Hummel, Arthur W. Sr., ed. (1943). "Daišan". Eminent Chinese of the Ch'ing Period. United States Government Printing Office.