Duntu

Overview

Duntu was a member of the Siktli clan of the Bordered Red Banner during the early Qing Dynasty. The official Qing Dynasty genealogy, *The Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, Volume 34, concerning the Guaercha region, records that he served as a Xiaoqixiao (Military Cavalry Commander), his grandson Ma Likun also served as a Xiaoqixiao, his great-grandson Qilanbu served as a Hujunxiao (Military Guard Commander), and his great-great-grandson Lunbai served as a Zhushi (Chief Clerk). The conclusion of this group clearly states that they resided in Guaercha and submitted to the Qing during the Tiancong era. The Tiancong era belonged to the Later Jin period under Huang Taiji, and cannot be directly compared to the group that submitted during the early Qing Dynasty.

The Xiaoqixiao was responsible for leading their assigned Xiaoqixiao and handling daily military affairs, while the Hujunxiao served the Hujun system, responsible for leading and guarding duties. The appearance of the same Xiaoqixiao title in two generations only indicates their positions and is insufficient to prove automatic hereditary succession to the same post; Qilanbu's change to a different battalion system cannot be inferred as a promotion or demotion.

The Zhushi was an administrative position in the government. Lunbai's civil service appointment differed in nature from the three battalion officers mentioned above, as members of the Eight Banners could enter different government offices. Duntu's own military rank is directly recorded, while the positions of his descendants are listed separately. The location of Guarcha, the agency to which Lunbai belongs, the location of the Xiaoji School, and the connection with intermediate relatives are pending verification, while the status of each generation and the original position are preserved.