New Qing Imperial History: The Making of Inner Asian Empire at Qing Chengde

New Qing Imperial Historyuses the Manchu summer capital of Chengde and associated architecture, art and ritual activity as the focus for an exploration of the importance of Inner Asia and Tibet to the Qing Empire (1636-1911). The contributors argue that the Qing was not simply another Chinese dynasty, but was deeply engaged in Inner Asia not only militarily, but culturally, politically and ideologically. Emphasizing the diverse range of minorities in the Qing Empire, this book analyzes the importance to Qing History of Tibetan Buddhism, Mongolian peoples and the struggles which resulted in the conquest of Xinjiang. It discusses the nature of emperorship, especially under Qianlong, examining the various representations of the emperor. The role of ritual in relations with Inner Asia, including the tribute system as a way of handling relations with all foreign powers, is also questioned as the contributors attempt to appreciate this culturally and politically complex period. By using aspecific artifact or text as a starting point analysis in each chapter, the contributors not only include material previously unavailable in English but allow the reader an intimate knowledge of the Qing period as a whole.