A Study On The Administration Over Alxa Khoshut Banner In Qing Dynasty

As one of the jasak banners of Outer Mongol tribes,the Alxa Khushut banner and its administration thereby is distinguished from that of Eight Banners or that in China proper.Owing to its nomadic tradition and the autonomy retained,while constituting the population in the region,the banner,as way of ruling system,demonstrates unique characteristics.Therefore,in the history of Alxa Khushut banner,not only could it exemplify the principles of Qing court’s administration over Inner and Outer Mongol tribes,moreover,but reflect the indigenous characters in governance as well as culture.The office and seal-holding administration is of the highest authority in the Alxa Khushut banner.Functionaries are associate taiji,banner-holding zhang jing,and meilin Zhangjing.Officers of the seal-holding administration work two shifts and each on a two-month basis.It is entitled to pose judicial power not only to administrative litigation cases among officials at lower hierarchy,but also to those of civil disputes and criminals within the banner.With their own designated areas in charge,zaha is set during Qianlong and Jiaqing periods to keep law and order in the banner.Based on geographical positions,bagh is also set,whose obligations,including issues related with supervision,the services,the register of households,taxation from officials and soldiers and finance the budget.As such it shared a considerable overlap with and thereafter overtook that of Sumun.Ghashuk,the orders made by generations of jasaks to the residents within the Alxa Khushut banner,hold political and judicial authority.Titles during this era,mostly inheriting that of Northern Yuan,showcase a significant yet unique nomadic heritage in administration.Similar situation can also be found in penalties where the guilty officials are fined livestock,whipped,yoked or even dismissed from their posts.