The Panthay Rebellion: Islam, Ethnicity and the Dali Sultanate in Southwest China, 1856-1873

The Panthay Rebellion was a 20-year uprising against Qing dynasty rule in Yunnan Province, led by Du Wenxiu, who established a Muslim court at Dali and sought to unite the population against Manchu rule. The rebellion was not solely rooted in Hui hatred of the Han Chinese or Islamic in orientation, and Atwill draws out the multitudinous complexities of Yunnan Province, China's most ethnically diverse region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The Panthay Rebellion, spanning from 1856 to 1873, proved a formidable challenge to the Qing dynasty's armies, enduring for nearly two decades. In this captivating account by David Atwill, we gain a remarkable insight into the diverse and cosmopolitan frontier society that gave rise to this uprising. The rebel leader, Du Wenxiu, assumed the title of Sultan Suleiman and established a Muslim court at the ancient city of Dali. His mission was to unite the population against Manchu rule, achieving significant success at a time when the Qing dynasty faced threats across its vast empire. Atwill's account provides the first comprehensive exploration of Du's seventeen-year rule and challenges the prevailing historiography that narrowly views the Panthay Rebellion through the political and military lenses of the Chinese center. The insurrection, he argues, was not solely driven by Hui hatred of the Han Chinese or solely Islamic in orientation. Instead, Atwill delves into the intricate complexities of Yunnan Province, China's most ethnically diverse region, serving as a crossroads for Tibetan, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cultures.

The Panthay Rebellion marked the culmination of a series of mid-century Chinese revolts that sought to challenge imperial authority. Its suppression marked a significant turning point in the imperial government's efforts to assert control over its border regions and influence the local cultures. The aftermath of the rebellion saw a renewed offensive by the imperial government, aimed at consolidating its power and asserting its dominance over the diverse populations that inhabited its territories.

The Panthay Rebellion also had profound implications for the future of China's border regions. The rebellion highlighted the cultural and religious diversity that existed within China's borders and the challenges that the imperial government faced in maintaining stability and order. It also demonstrated the resilience and determination of the local populations, who were willing to fight for their rights and independence.

In conclusion, the Panthay Rebellion of 1856-1873 was a significant event in Chinese history that had far-reaching consequences. Through David Atwill's account, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that led to the rebellion, the challenges that the imperial government faced, and the lasting impact that it had on China's border regions and its diverse populations.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 234 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804290545