Luokeshina of the Irgen Gioro Clan

Clan registration and origins

Luokeshina was a member of the Irgen Gioro clan of the Bordered White Banner. His family was associated with Ningguta and joined the early Manchu polity. Volume 15 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Eight Banner Manchu Clans* does not identify any office held by Luokeshina himself, but records military service undertaken by his grandson Jincai.

Jincai's campaigns

Jincai participated in military operations in Zhejiang and Fujian while serving provisionally as a *canling*, a Banner officer responsible for military management. The term marking his appointment indicates acting or temporary service and should not be dropped as if the source confirmed a full substantive appointment. He subsequently campaigned in Yunnan and distinguished himself in fighting at Shimankan, Huangcaoba and near the city of Yunnan. He was awarded the hereditary merit title *qiduwei* and formerly held the substantive post of *chengshouwei*, a garrison or city-defence officer.

After Jincai's death, his son Aixintai inherited the hereditary title. That succession does not prove that Aixintai also succeeded to his father's garrison command. Jincai's military honours and campaigns, moreover, belong to a grandson of Luokeshina rather than to Luokeshina himself.

The geography of Ningguta

Ningguta denotes a historical northeastern centre and region rather than an immutable modern address. Discussions of the old and later towns involve the Ning'an and Hailin areas; the family entry does not establish one modern village of residence. Luokeshina's own activities, Jincai's duty stations, battle dates and the precise status of Jincai's provisional command await corroboration in military records.