Chohar

Overview

Chohar was a member of the Niohuru clan of the Bordered Yellow Banner of the Manchus, the thirteenth son of Eidu. Volume Five of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* records that he was awarded the rank of Cavalry Captain for his competent service as a Zuo Ling (military officer), participated in the battle of Renqiu in Shandong, and successively served as Minister of State Affairs, Vice Minister of War, and Commander of the Imperial Guard. He died in battle during the attack on Jinzhou and was posthumously awarded the title of Second-Class Light Cavalry Captain.

The Zuo Ling managed the lower-level military households, the Vice Minister of War was a high-ranking military and administrative official in the central government, and the Commander of the Imperial Guard commanded the Imperial Guard battalion. Cavalry Captain and Light Cavalry Captain were hereditary titles. Chohar held both political and military responsibilities, and his title cannot be used to replace his actual experience; the granting of the title occurred after his death in battle, which is different from holding a military post.

His son, Geheli, inherited the title, which was increased after the Manchus entered the Central Plains. After Geheli's death, his brother, Eheli, inherited it. Eheli participated in the battles in Huguang and Fujian, and served as Minister of Works. His descendants' succession ranks were adjusted due to military merits, imperial edicts, and disciplinary actions. Geheli and Eheli were brothers who succeeded each other, and should not be forced to be father and son. The position of Minister of Works was a son's official post, and could not be given to the already deceased Chohar. This article retains the timeline of his death in battle and the succession of the two branches; the specific reasons for the punishment still need further investigation.