• Legitimation of a ‘Marginal Dynasty’: The Great Xia in Sichuan 1362–1371: A Case Study

    Author(s):
    Max Jakob Fölster (see profile)
    Date:
    2013
    Subject(s):
    China, History, Area studies
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    sichuan, Xia dynasty, Ming Yuzhen, 14th Century, Chinese history, Sinology, China, Imperial (up to 1911)
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/4mqp-he34
    Abstract:
    Throughout China’s imperial history there have been numerous attempts to establish dynasties, of which a considerable number resulted in ‘marginal dynasties’, that are short-lived and locally confined rules. These have been deemed illegitimate by traditional Chinese historiography, even though they naturally considered themselves as legitimate. Taking the example of the Great Xia this paper describes in detail their rise and fall and examines, how this ‘marginal dynasty’ claimed legitimacy. By contrasting evidence for traditional patterns of legitimation and elements of radical millenarian beliefs, it will be shown that, although the Xia's origins lay in a religiously motivated uprising and these beliefs continued to be vital, its leaders eventually turned to the established tradition and their representatives, former officials and scholars, in order to secure legitimacy.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Pub. Date:
    2013
    Journal:
    Ming Qing Studies
    Volume:
    1
    Page Range:
    71 - 116
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    3 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved

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