Aliha Clan

Overview

The Aliha clan is a Manchu surname recorded in Volume 51 of the officially compiled *Comprehensive Genealogy of Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. The genealogy begins by stating that they resided in places such as Hetongji Guositun. The main biography states that Yamuxi's family had lived in this area for generations, surrendering to the Qing dynasty at the beginning and serving as a garrison commander. The genealogy records them as belonging to the Bordered White Banner, noting that they were transferred from the Plain Yellow Banner. "Governor" is a military title within the Eight Banners, and its meaning should be distinguished from the ordinary action of "defending against the enemy."

Yamuxi's son, Uluka, served as a commissioned officer in campaigns involving Fujian, Xinhui in Guangdong, Henan, and Jiangnan. For his merits, he was awarded the title of Qiduwei, a title later inherited by Muchengge and Muertai. The title of Qiduwei was a hereditary honor, while "commissioned officer" indicates a military post assigned during combat; the two are different ways of writing the same official title.

Another branch belonged to the Plain Yellow Banner and also resided in Hetongji Guositun, but the date of their submission is unknown. Their son, Wei De, served as a military officer, their grandson, Bayalai, served as an infantry officer, and their great-grandson, Haihe, served as a military commander. Although the two branches shared the same surname and location, they cannot be simply listed as having submitted to the Banner at the beginning of the dynasty and later being transferred to the Bordered White Banner. The exact wording, modern location, date of transfer, and branch relationships of Hetongji Guositun still require verification of the original printed text, the records of the military officers, and geographical documents.