Bandi

Overview

Bandi was a minister and general during the Qianlong era. A member of the Borjigit clan and a member of the Bordered Yellow Banner of the Mongols, he entered the Grand Secretariat through the ranks of official students, serving as a secretary. During the Yongzheng era, he held various positions, including Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat and Vice Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs, and participated in military affairs. The term "official student" indicates a background in Banner schools or related educational systems; the position of Grand Secretary in the Grand Secretariat, responsible for clerical work, should not be interpreted as proof of passing the imperial examinations. During the Qianlong era, Bandi served as Minister of War and Governor-General of Huguang, participating in the procurement of provisions for the Jinchuan War and the post-war relief efforts in Tibet. After the nineteenth year of Qianlong's reign, he was appointed General of the Northern Expedition, leading the northern army into the Dzungar region. The following year, when the Qing army entered Ili, he was granted the title of Duke of Chengyong and remained stationed there. The title of Duke was a military honor, while the titles of Commander-in-Chief, Governor-General, and General were specific official positions, requiring explanation according to the stage of appointment. When Amursana rebelled, Bandi had limited troops and committed suicide after being surrounded. Erong'an also died in the same incident. The imperial court later posthumously honored him, built a shrine for him, and commissioned a portrait to be painted in the Ziguang Pavilion. His son, Balu, inherited the title of duke. Bandi served in different banner offices, but his biography should not be changed from a Mongol Bordered Yellow Banner origin to a Han Chinese military identity due to a particular official appointment; his posthumous honors should also be recorded separately from his military exploits during his lifetime.