A Near East Studies Handbook

by Jere L. Bacharach

Essentially a case-study of sinicization, an important and recurring phenomenon in Chinese history, this book examines the relations between the Chinese and the seminomadic Jurchen from Manchuria. It traces the political, economic and sociocultural change among the Jurchen conquerors who tried to perpetuate their rule of the conquered majority in North China, elucidating the fusion of Chinese and Jurchen cultures, and the consequent assimiliation of the Jurchen by the Chinese.

The Jurchen, a Tungusic people from Manchuria, conquered the Liao and the Northern Sung and established the Chin dynasty. The change brought about by their mixed acceptance of and reaction against Chinese culture eventually evolved into a Sino-Jurchen cultural synthesis. Although largely sinicized by the end of the Chin dynasty, they left their mark on the formation of political institutions and on the literary heritage of China.

Genres: History

217 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Bryn Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful little book on Jurchen China. As they swung from native revivalism to a go-Chinese agenda, and in the confusion achieved an intellectual culture that was not just a blend but owed its creation to the two-way traffic.

More to be found in China Under Jurchen Rule: Essays on Chin Intellectual and Cultural History