Chiefdom of Mengmao explained

Native Name:ᥛᥫᥒᥰ ᥛᥣᥝᥰ
Chinese: 勐卯土司
Conventional Long Name:Chiefdom of Mengmao
Status:Native Chiefdom of China
Year Start:1611
Year End:1955
S1:ChinaPeople's Republic of China
Image Map Caption:Territory in modern Yunnan
Capital:Ruili
Common Languages:Tai Nuea language
Government Type:Monarchy
Title Leader:Tusi
Leader1:Kan Zhong
Year Leader1:1611 - 1646
Leader2:Kan Jingtai
Year Leader2:1929 - 1955
Today:China

The Chiefdom of Mengmao, officially Mengmao Anfusi was a Dai autonomous Tusi chiefdom in the west of Yunnan, China from 1611 to 1955.

History

Si Hua, a chief of Mongmit chiefdom, contributed to the Ming-Burmese War. Then Ming dynasty canonized him to be the Tongzhi (vice magistrate) of Mongmit Xuanfusi.[1] Because Si Hua occupied the area of Manmo (Bhamo), his title is also called Manmo Xuanfu Tongzhi .[1] His eldest son Si Zheng succeed to his position after he died. But Si Zheng was killed by Ming official in 1602.[1] Because Burmese send 100,000 troops to attack him, and he fled to Tengchong, Burmese also chased to Tengchong. Ming officials were worried about the safety of the city, they have to kill him and handed over the corpse to Burma to quell anger.[1]

Ming occupied Manmo in 1605 again and set Kan Zhong, the second son of Si Hua, to manage the area. But Kan Zhong was defeated by the Burmese power soon after, he fled to Ganya (Yingjiang).[2] Yunnan governor Zhou Jiamo suggested to settle him in Mengmao (Ruili).[3] Ming central government agreed with this suggestion in 1611.[4] After Qing dynasty controlled Yunnan, Manmo Xuanfu Tongzhi renamed Mengmao Anfusi in 1659 officially.[5]

In Republic of China period, the central government used many of method try to abolish chiefdom system, for example, established a direct control government "Ruili Administrate Bureau" . But chiefdom of Mengmao allied with other chiefdoms to resist the abolishment. At its worst, chiefdoms had a consideration for independent from China. Finally, the central government compromised with chiefdoms.[6]

After People's Republic of China controlled this area, the central government launched the Chinese Land Reform Movement. Chiefdom of Mengmao lost his power and land, finally abolished in 1955.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Mingshilu, Shenzong Shilu, volume 378
  2. Dian Zhi (滇志), volume 30
  3. Dian Zhi (滇志), volume 22, 周嘉谟陇川善后疏
  4. Mingshilu, Shenzong Shilu, volume 482
  5. 嘉庆重修一统志, volume 498
  6. 王春桥 . 土司存废与国家统一(1944~1948) . Maintenance or abolishment of Tusi chieftain system and unification of China (1944-1948) . Chinese . Journal of Yunnan Minzu University (Social Sciences) . 2015 . 32 . 1 . 103–108 . 10.13727/j.cnki.53-1191/c.2015.01.015 .
  7. Book: 云南省瑞丽市志编纂委员会 . 瑞丽市志 . Annals of Ruili . Chengdu . Sichuan Lexicographical Press . 1996 . 7-80543-518-9 .