Khalqin Clan

Overview

The Khalqin clan is a Manchu surname listed in Volume 57 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, an official compilation from the Qianlong reign. Their ancestral homes were in Ula and Yehe. The Hunqi branch of the Bordered Red Banner resided in Ula, submitting to the Qing dynasty at its beginning. Their son, Wendali, served as a scribe; their grandson, Zongshenbao, served as a military officer; and their great-grandsons, Yuzhu and Bashijiu, served as cavalry commanders. (Note: Bashijiu is a surname in this context and should not be interpreted as a number of officials.)

The Daiha and Axitan branches of the Bordered Blue Banner resided in Yehe, with their submission dates unknown. Daiha's son, Zhekune, served as a secretary; Dalang'a served as a military officer; and his great-grandson, Yangbaozhu, served as a defense officer. Axitan's grandson, Altai, served as a military officer; and his great-grandson, Mingdebao, served as a scribe.

A secretary was a clerical official in the government office responsible for related matters; a scribe handled drafting and translation; defense officers, military officers, and cavalry commanders were military officers within the Eight Banners system. Appointments in different institutions and generations cannot be combined into a single ancestor's resume. The genealogy book clearly lists Khalqin as a Manchu surname, and it is not possible to change one's nationality to a certain Mongolian banner simply based on a similar-looking name; the Manchu name of the surname, the specific place of residence, and the relationship between the branches still need to be verified against the original engraving and other materials.