Dungan Revolt (1862–1877)

Quick Facts: Who was Dungan Revolt (1862–1877)?

Subject:

Dungan Revolt (1862–1877)

Known for:

A major 19th-century Muslim uprising in Western China, leading to massive demographic upheaval.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Dungan Revolt (1862–1877), also known as the Tongzhi Hui Revolt (traditional Chinese: 同治回亂; simplified Chinese: 同治回乱; pinyin: Tóngzhì Huí Luàn, Xiao'erjing: تُ‌جِ خُوِ لُوًا, Dungan: Тунҗы Хуэй Луан), was a war fought in 19th-century western China, mostly during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor (r. 1861–1875) of the Qing dynasty. The term sometimes includes the Panthay Rebellion in Yunnan, which occurred during the same period. However, this article refers specifically to two waves of uprising by various Chinese Muslims, mostly Hui people, in Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia provinces in the first wave, and then in Xinjiang in the second wave, between 1862 and 1877. The uprising was eventually suppressed by Qing forces led by Zuo Zongtang.

Career & Major Achievements

The conflict began with riots by the Hui and massacres of the Han Chinese, followed by the revenge massacres of the Hui by the Han. It resulted in massive demographic shifts in Northwest China, and led to a population loss of 21 million people from a combination of massacres, migration, famine, and corpse-transmitted plague. Due to the conflict, Gansu lost 74.5% (14.55 million) of its population, Shaanxi lost 44.6% (6.2 million) of its population, and Northern Xinjiang lost 72.6% (0.34 million) of its population. The population reduction of Hui in Shaanxi was particularly severe. According to research by modern historians, at least 4 million Hui were in Shaanxi before the revolt, but only 20,000 remained in the province afterwards, with most of the Hui either killed in massacres and reprisals by government and militia forces, or deported out of the province.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Large numbers of Han people were also relocated to Inner Mongolia after the war. Modern Ningxia and eastern Qinghai regions such as Xining, Hualong and Xunhua used to be a part of Gansu province before the 20th century. Harsh punishments were meted out against Hui in Shaanxi by Manchus over communal disputes at this time since they regarded Hui as the aggressors. The Qing governor of Shaanxi put all the blame of the rebellion on the Shaanxi Hui. He said that the Gansu Hui were not to blame, were forced to join the rebellion, and that they had good relations with Han unlike the Shaanxi Hui whom he accused of committing massacres, so he told Gansu officials Shaanxi would not let deported Shaanxi Hui in Gansu back in.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1862: 1862 Milestone — The Dungan Revolt (1862–1877), also known as the Tongzhi Hui Revolt (traditional Chinese: 同治回亂; simplified Chinese: 同治回乱; pinyin: Tóngzhì Huí Luàn, Xiao'erjing: تُ‌جِ خُوِ لُوًا, Dungan: Тунҗы Хуэй Луан), was a war fought in 19th-century western China, mostly during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor (r.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dungan Revolt (1862–1877)

True or False: “The Dungan Revolt was primarily a conflict driven by religious differences between different sects of Islam.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Evidence suggests the revolt stemmed more from ethnic antagonism and class warfare rather than solely religious strife.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Andrew Fisher — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): Australian Labor Party leader and Prime Minister of Australia (1862–1928).
• Aristide Briand — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): French statesman known for international reconciliation and peace efforts.
• Adolphe Thiers — Historical peer (Died in 1877) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Aga Khan III — Historical peer (Born in 1877) (1877): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Abdülmecid I — Historical peer (Died in 1861) (1861): 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known for initiating the Tanzimat era of reform.
• Aleksey Yermolov — Historical peer (Died in 1861) (1861): Prominent Russian general known for service in the Napoleonic Wars and the Caucasian Campaign.
• Albert I of Belgium — Historical peer (Born in 1875) (1875): King of the Belgians, known as the Knight King for his role in WWI.
• Albert Schweitzer — Historical peer (Born in 1875) (1875): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'

Frequently Asked Questions about Dungan Revolt (1862–1877)