Zimata

Overview

Qimata was a member of the Irgen Gioro clan of the Plain Blue Banner during the early Qing Dynasty. Volume 12 of the official clan genealogy compiled during the Qianlong reign, *the Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records him as the younger brother of Artash, who served as a second-class imperial bodyguard. The chapter pertains to the Irgen Gioro clan of Muxi, therefore, this should be explained within the framework of clan and fraternal relationships, rather than grouping people of the same surname or banner as direct brothers. A second-class imperial bodyguard was a rank within the emperor's bodyguard system, representing a substantive official position rather than a noble title.

His son, Aljin, participated in military campaigns in Jinzhou, Heilongjiang, the conquest of the Central Plains, and Sichuan, repeatedly earning merit and titles. In the eighth year of the Shunzhi reign, he was further honored with preferential treatment, serving successively as a commander and lieutenant. The term "dismissed official" here refers to a previously deposed official position and should not be interpreted as idle or unemployed. The relevant military achievements and later high titles belong to Aljin; Qimata's confirmed position remains that of a second-class imperial bodyguard.

The Commander-in-Chief oversaw the military and political affairs of the banner garrisons, while the Captain managed the banner registration and organization. Viscounts, Light Cavalry Captains, and Cloud Cavalry Captains belonged to the hereditary system of meritorious officials. The inheritance of titles by the descendants of Aljin involved punishments and the removal of those added by imperial edicts; it cannot be interpreted as each generation automatically possessing the same rank. The number 65 is recorded as the current Third-Class Imperial Guard and Captain; the number here refers to a person's name. The exact location of Muxi, the specific term of office, and the complex intra-clan succession still require verification between the original inscription and archival records.