Erhe Clan

Overview

The Erhe clan is a Manchu surname recorded in Volume 57 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, an official compilation of the Qianlong Emperor's reign. They were scattered throughout Suifen and other areas. The Zhuobai branch of the Plain White Banner resided in Suifen, and its grandson, Qixina, served as Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. The Ordoma branch of the same banner resided in Nierji, and the Zhuobai himself served as a Cavalry Commander. Both were among the first branches to submit to the Qing dynasty. This information pertains to each branch's banner affiliation, ancestral home, and official positions; Qixina's position cannot be attributed to Zhuobai.

Another branch of the Plain White Banner, Mukhali, resided in Heilongjiang. He, along with his son Tukechuoke, grandson Tepute, great-grandson Yongtai, and Guoluoercha, all served as zuoling (military officers). Their descendants also included Blue-Lanyard Guards and Third-Class Guards. The Erjin branch of the Plain Blue Banner resided in Aihun. Their descendant, Yimandai, served as Acting Commander and zuoling, and Hejia served as a Commander of the Imperial Guard. The years of submission for these latter two branches are unknown and must be distinguished from the Suifen and Nierji branches.

The term "zuoling" served both as a basic unit of the Eight Banners and as an official title for managing that unit; the fact that several generations of members held the position of zuoling does not solely prove that the same position was always hereditary. The term "appointed as a deputy commander" indicates a method of acting on behalf of the commander; the word "appointed" cannot be removed to indicate a formal appointment. Specific zuoling numbers, kinship chains, and locations of ancient place names still require further investigation.