Dali Kingdom

Quick Facts: Who was Dali Kingdom?

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Dali Kingdom

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A historical Bai dynastic state in modern Yunnan, China (937–1253).

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Dali Kingdom, also known as the Dali State (traditional Chinese: 大理國; simplified Chinese: 大理国; pinyin: Dàlǐ Guó; Bai: Dablit Guaif), was a Bai dynastic state situated in modern Yunnan province, China, from 937 to 1253. In 1253, it was conquered by the Mongols. However, descendants of its ruling house continued to administer the area as tusi chiefs under Yuan dynasty rule until the Ming conquest of Yunnan in 1382. The former capital of the Dali Kingdom remains known as Dali in modern Yunnan Province today. The Dali Kingdom takes its name from Dali City.

Career & Major Achievements

Famed for its high quality marble, Dali (dàlǐ 大理) literally means "marble" in Chinese. Dali marble is famous throughout Asia and among collectors of gemstones all over the world. For a few square inches of Shuimohuashi, a particularly precious type of marble, dealers in Hong Kong or Shanghai can charge up to $20,000. For more than 1,000 years Dali has been known as the town of marble; indeed, the Chinese word dali means “marble.” Nanzhao was overthrown in 902. Three dynasties ruling successor kingdoms, Great Changhe (903-927), Great Tianxing (927-928), and Great Yining (928-937), followed in quick succession.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Duan Siping seized power in 937, establishing himself at Dali. The Duan clan professed to have Han ancestry. Yuan dynasty records said the Duan family came from Wuwei in Gansu: Yuan records claim that the Dali kingdom’s Duan rulers originally came from Wuwei Commandery in modern-day Gansu Province, but this is not confirmed by Song or Dali sources. A significant change from Nanzhao is apparent in Dali rulers’ naming practices, which generally do not follow the patronymic linkage system. This suggests that the Dali elites presented themselves as more “Chinese” than their Nanzhao counterparts.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1253: 1253 Milestone — The Dali Kingdom, also known as the Dali State (traditional Chinese: 大理國; simplified Chinese: 大理国; pinyin: Dàlǐ Guó; Bai: Dablit Guaif), was a Bai dynastic state situated in modern Yunnan province, China, from 937 to 1253.
2. 1382: 1382 Milestone — However, descendants of its ruling house continued to administer the area as tusi chiefs under Yuan dynasty rule until the Ming conquest of Yunnan in 1382.

Notable Quotes by Dali Kingdom

“These horses possess a shape that is quite magnificent.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dali Kingdom

True or False: “The Dali Kingdom maintained full, undisputed sovereignty over its territory throughout the entire period from 937 to 1253.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was an independent state, its relationship with the Song dynasty was complex, and later periods saw significant external influence.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amir Khusrau — Historical peer (Born in 1253) (1253): Iconic Indo-Persian Sufi poet, musician, and scholar of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Dōgen — Historical peer (Died in 1253) (1253): Founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan, known for zazen practice.
• Louis I of Hungary — Historical peer (Died in 1382) (1382): King of Hungary and Croatia, known for military expansion and Polish union.
• Nicole Oresme — Historical peer (Died in 1382) (1382): Influential French philosopher of the later Middle Ages, known for works on science and economics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dali Kingdom