Plain Yellow Banner

The Plain Yellow Banner (Chinese: 正黃旗) was one of the Eight Banners of Manchu military and society during the Later Jin and Qing dynasty of China. It was one of three "upper" banner armies under the direct command of the emperor himself. The Plain Yellow Banner was the original banner commanded by Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin.

In 1615, the Plain Yellow Banner and the Bordered Yellow Banner were split from the original four banner armies. After Nurhaci's death, his son Hong Taiji took control of both yellow banners. Later, the Shunzhi Emperor took over the Plain White Banner after the death of his regent, Dorgon. From that time, the emperor directly controlled three "upper" banners.

The design of the Plain Yellow Banner later became the basis for the Flag of the Qing dynasty, making it an important symbol in Chinese history.

Notable people

The Plain Yellow Banner included many important leaders and family members from the Manchu people. Some of these people were Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin dynasty, and Hong Taiji, his son who became a prince. Other notable figures include Kangxi Emperor, a later ruler, and his advisors like Sonin. The banner also included many consorts and family members of emperors, showing its importance in the royal family and government.

Notable clans

The Plain Yellow Banner included many important families, or clans. Some of these clans were Hešeri, Geng, Zu, Tian, Gūwalgiya, Clan Nara, Ayan Gioro, Uya, Borjigin, Šumuru, Magiya, Donggo, Yanja, Cheng, Wumit, Zheng, Zhou, Wang, Li, and Ejo. These families played important roles in the history of the banner.