淸初における皇帝側近集團と內大臣

Abstract

The Minister of the Interior 內大臣 (dorgi amban in Manchu) was the official in the Qing dynasty who oversaw the emperor's bodyguards. The Minister of the Interior was elected from the bannermen of the Three Superior Banners 上三旗 (Bordered Yellow Banner, Plain Yellow Banner, and Plain White Banner) the armies among the Eight Banners that were directly under the emperor's jurisdiction. Although the Minister of the Interior had existed prior to 1644, it was not until after 1644 that existence of the office came to prominence. Prior studies indicated that the political status of the Minister of the Interior rose in the Shunzhi 順治 reign (1643-1661) and that the post became increasingly important as that of a close confidant of the emperor. However, despite recognition of his importance, there has been insufficient consideration of the Minister of the Interior. Firstly, there has been little reference in previous studies to the nature of the official position of Minister of the Interior and to the relationship of those appointed to the position had with Taizong 太宗 (Hong Taiji) and Emperor Shunzhi. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of the early Qing dynasty Minister of the Interior. In discussing the interior ministers, it is necessary to note the political position and situation of each Minister of the Interior, as is the case with most Qing dynasty official positions. In other words, the individual cases of those who assumed the office of Minister of the Interior must be examined not only from the perspective of institutional history, but also from that of political history. It is necessary to consider who Taizong or the Shunzhi Emperor appointed to the position of Minister of the Interior, and with what intention. This paper therefore examines the men who were appointed to the post of Minister of the Interior during the reigns of Taizong and Shunzhi at the beginning of the Qing dynasty and the rulers' intent in appointing them. It also examines their relations to the emperors and the functions they played. Section 1 reveals that Taizong appointed both powerful bannermen who were related by marriage to the imperial family and bannermen who were newcomers to the vassalage to the position of Minister of the Interior, and it makes clear that they became the core of Taizong's closest entourage. Section 2 points out that Emperor Shunzhi carried on Taizong's use of an personal entourage and appointed those closest to him, mainly Plain White Bannermen, as Ministers of the Interior, thereby establishing a new entourage of his own and strengthening his own power.