Kaiyan Clan

Overview

The Kaiyan clan is a Manchu surname recorded in Volume 56 of the officially compiled *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. The genealogy clearly states that Kaiyan was originally a place name, hence the surname, and the family had resided in the Kaiyan area for generations. This explanation of the surname's origin is supported by the original text and is not merely a conjecture based on the similarity between the surname and the place name.

The main figure, Chuanlutu, belonged to the Bordered Yellow Banner. He surrendered at the beginning of the dynasty and served as a military officer in the campaign against Guizhou. On the return journey, he participated in the battle against Zheng Chenggong's forces at Jiangning, earning the rank of Yunqiwei (a military rank). Later, he participated in the campaign against Maolu Mountain in Huguang and the Battle of Chahar Burni, distinguishing himself at Dalu and being promoted to Qiduwei (a hereditary merit rank) and concurrently Yunqiwei. His eldest son, Dabali, served as a military officer, and his second son, Daichan, inherited the hereditary title. After Daichan was dismissed, the title was inherited by Zhaobao, who had no heir, and then passed to his uncle's son, Dayanga.

The title of military officer signifies the duties performed during combat, while the hereditary title indicates the award and qualification for succession. The genealogy book distinguishes between the eldest son's appointment to an official position and the second son's succession, indicating that it cannot be assumed that all hereditary positions are automatically passed on to the eldest son. The modern location of Kaiyan Ancient Land, its Manchu spelling, and the dates of each appointment still need to be verified. The original name is retained, and no interpretation of its Chinese meaning is attempted.