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Elite unit of the Ming Dynasty — Jia Ding (家丁) (Patreon)

Published:
2020-04-01 15:40:38
Imported:
2026-06
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Continue reading at my Great Ming Military blog.

 

(To be honest, I am somewhat surprised that I have so little good things to say about the most powerful military unit of the Ming Dynasty.)

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Angus MacDonald

This is an interesting wrinkle that I had not learned before. A couple of questions. What dates would you give for the decline of Wei Suo system? You also mention the varied ethnicities recruited as Jia Ding, including Indians, and even Africans. What an extraordinary life that must have been. How did Chinese generals come into contact with Indians and Africans, and where/when did they serve in Jia Ding units?

Angus MacDonald

(Note: I tried to post this on your blog, and was rebuffed by the system several times)

greatmingmilitary
>>34660310

I think the decline started during or due to Luchuan campaigns, and the following Tumu Crisis dealt a heavy blow to Ming military that it was never able to recover from. India is located on the same landmass as China, and the two have a long history of trade and cultural exchange, so it was not out of the realm of possibility for a few Indian travellers ended up in a general's retinue. Africans (and Austronesians) came from Portuguese slave trade.