Gahachaluan

Overview

Gahachaluan was a member of the Niohuru clan of the Manchu Plain Red Banner, and a paternal uncle of Governor Lailuhun. He submitted to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. Volume 5 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* explains his position within the clan through kinship, but does not record his official position. His great-grandson, Wochen, participated in the battle of Pucheng, Shanxi, as a vanguard soldier. He was the first to scale the city walls, earning the title of Baturu and the hereditary rank of Qiduwei. Later, due to his merits in the Zhoushan campaign, he was promoted to Yunqiwei and appointed Deputy Commander of Hangzhou. This branch was later abolished, and the title was not inherited.

The vanguard was a branch of the Eight Banners responsible for reconnaissance and assault missions. Baturu was a title of bravery, Qiduwei and Yunqiwei were hereditary military ranks, and Deputy Commander was an actual banner-level military position. These four titles cannot be combined into one official title. The title of Deputy Commander of Hangzhou indicates a garrison post, not that the family originally resided in Hangzhou.

Yuansun Niyahana was awarded the rank of Third-Class Qingche duwei for his meritorious service in the Battle of Hejian, a title inherited by many members of his family. Ahasuose died in battle at Hetong and was posthumously awarded the rank of Yunqiwei, which was inherited by his son Shanbao. Another Yuansun, Nel, died in battle at Mopan Mountain, also forming an independent hereditary lineage. Therefore, this entry showcases the military achievements and official positions of multiple generations and branches, and cannot attribute all of the descendants' military exploits to Gahachaluan's own experience. The complete genealogy and ancient name transcriptions of each branch still await verification from the original printed edition.