Tao Tuoli

Overview

Tao Tuoli was a figure from the Tatan clan during the early Qing Dynasty. Volume 61 of the *the Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* states that Tatan was a Manchu surname, with its members residing in the Changbai Mountains region. Tao Tuoli was listed as a bondservant of the Bordered White Banner, surrendering to the Qing Dynasty at its beginning and serving as a first-class bodyguard. The text does not specify his particular princely residence or the date of his appointment.

Bondservants were a specific subordinate status within the Eight Banners system, commonly found among the imperial family, princes, and related organizations; they cannot be simply translated as ordinary employees. The Bordered White Banner indicates the banner affiliation, while "bondservant" indicates his status within the banner; both pieces of information should be retained. The Changbai Mountains represent the clan's historical residence and do not prove that Tao Tuoli was born in a specific county today or engaged in a specific profession in the mountains.

First-class bodyguards were a rank of bodyguards within princely residences, responsible for protecting and accompanying the prince. The first-class imperial bodyguards used in the emperor's close service system were a different system. The original text clearly states "bodyguard," and the term "first-class" should not be changed to "imperial bodyguard." The number and rank of guards in the Prince's residence varied depending on the granting of titles and other conditions. Existing materials do not allow for the designation of a head of the residence for Tao Tuoli, nor can they supplement the information regarding his acquisition of a hereditary title. The key confirmed elements are his membership in the Tatan clan, his status as a bondservant of the Bordered White Banner, his early allegiance, and his appointment as a first-class guard.