Nahantai

Overview

Nahantai, simplified as Nahantai, was a member of the Hurha clan in the early Qing Dynasty, belonging to the Plain Red Banner, and residing in the Hurha region. Volume 48 of the official Qing Dynasty compilation, *the Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records that at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, he, along with his brothers and clansmen, led their fellow villagers to submit to the Qing, and were granted the title of Zhalguqi. He was initially managed by the zuoling (a type of military unit) and was granted twenty Manchu servant households. Later, due to his service, he was granted the title of Beiyu (a type of military officer). This record involves the submission of his followers, the organization and establishment of his organization, and the master-servant relationship at the time; it should be understood according to the historical context.

Zhalguqi was an official title, not part of Nahantai's name. The *Draft History of the Qing Dynasty*, in its section on criminal law, records that in the early Qing Dynasty, Zhalguqi were established to handle interrogations, hearings, and other matters, and to participate in the step-by-step deliberation of cases; their responsibilities were not entirely equivalent to the later fixed yamen (government office) system. zuoling was the basic organizational unit of the Eight Banners and its managing official title; therefore, Nahantai had the dual role of handling affairs and commanding his subordinates. His third son, Moji, served as a zuoling (military officer); his fourth son, Ketobai, received a hereditary title for his military achievements during the conquest of Guanzhong; and his grandson, Lebi, was posthumously awarded the title of Yunqiwei (a military rank) after his death in the battle of Dongting Lake. The genealogy clearly states that he was related to Kangkalai of Xindamo City and Zhuerku of Xibai, providing direct evidence of cross-regional lineage connections. The specific year of his submission, the time of his appointment as a military officer, and the location of Huerha's residence still need to be verified.