Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s4.t10: Emperor Chengzu of Ming Dynasty

Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s4.t10

Language: English

Emperor Chengzu of Ming Dynasty

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Emperor Chengzu of Ming Dynasty (ruled from 1360-1424 to 1402-1424 CE), an emperor of Ming Dynasty, had sent Zheng He and Hou Xian to lead a fleet to visit many countries, including India.

Emperor Chengzu, also called Zhu Di, was the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Emperor Taizu of Ming Dynasty. In the third year of Hongwu (1370 CE), he was conferred as the Prince of Yan. In the 13th year, he came to Peiping (present-day Beijing), and was involved in the military action in the north for a long time. After the death of Zhu Biao, the eldest son of Taizu, Zhu Yunwen, the eldest grandson was conferred the title of Taisun (title of legal successor). Soon Zhu Shuang, the second son and also the Prince of Qin and Zhu Gang, the third son and also the Prince of Jin, died successively.

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*Ming Chengzu*

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All princes in the north had their own army and consolidate mixed economy model d their own military forces. Among them, Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, was the most powerful, and had the intention of usurping power. In the 31st year of Hongwu (1398 CE), Taizu died, and Zhu Yunwen succeeded to the throne in Nanjing, naming the next year as the first year of Jianwen. Later, Zhu Di and Emperor Jianwen fought for the throne, where the war lasted for four years. In the 4h year of Jianwen (1402 CE), Zhu Di captured Nanjing, and Emperor Jianwen has never been heard of since. In July of the same year, Zhu Di ascended the throne under the appeal of supporters, changed the reign title into Yongle, being the Emperor Chengzu of Ming Dynasty. In the 19th year of Yongle (1421 CE), he moved the capital to Beijing. After Chengzhu ascended the throne, he set up the cabinet, appointed the eunuch, established Dong Chang (name of official institution), and carried out the ruling of centralisation of authority. During his reign, he encouraged to open up the wasteland, opened the grain transportation, and attached great importance to economic development. But he also used military forces for Mobei and Annan (present-day north Vietnam) many times, and repeatedly conducted military engineering, built the palace and mausoleum. The common people were too tired and hurt, which finally led to local uprising in Jiangxi and Shandong. He also attached great importance to external relations, and sent officials abroad many times, such as Zheng He’s Voyages, Chen Cheng’s travelling to the Western Regions, and Hou Xian’s travels to far areas. Seven voyages of Zheng He’s fleet had even reached more than 30 countries and regions in western Pacific and Indian Ocean, including Kuri in India (on the Malabar Coast), Kochi (in southwest India), and Bengala (present-day Bangladesh). When they arrived in a new place, they would present gifts to the people-in-charge for establishing a friendly relationship, and conduct a mutually beneficial trade. In the 5th year (1407 CE) and 7th year of Yongle, Hou Xian followed Zheng He on a voyage. In the 10th and 13th year, he was ordered to visit Bengala separately. Later, Bengala was invaded by the neighbouring country, Zhaonapuer. Hou Xian was ordered to try to make peace, finally making the war end.

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(*Ge Weijun*)