Gang Gu

Overview

Ganggu was a member of the Tongjia clan, belonging to the Plain Red Banner, and his family had lived in Yarhu for generations. He submitted to the Qing dynasty during the Tiancong era. Volume 19 of the official *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* records that he himself served as a military officer, his son Nandali as a military officer, his grandson Dongke as an acting military commander, Nongke as a military officer, and Baoshan as a cavalry officer.

*Tiancong* was the reign title used during the reign of Huang Taiji, indicating that the submission occurred during the pre-Central Plains period of political development. The entry does not provide a specific date. The military officer was responsible for the basic management of the military, the military officer was under the infantry organization, and the cavalry officer was under the cavalry battalion; each had different personnel organization and responsibilities. Dongke's "acting" indicates that he was appointed as acting commander, which should be distinguished from a formally appointed commander. The original genealogy shows that father, son, and grandson entered the military, infantry, and cavalry systems respectively, rather than each succeeding Ganggu in the same official position. While his military officer status is clearly recorded, his military affiliation, term of office, and whether he participated in any specific battles are not specified in this entry. Lake Yar is the ancestral home of the family, but it does not necessarily mean that the descendants served as officials there.