Imagining Wu in the Han

Abstract

This master’s thesis attempts to analyze the perception and understanding of the concept of wu 武 in the Han dynasty by exploring the relevant literary sources. It is divided into four subsections. In the “Institutional Promotions of Wu,” I explain how the Qin-Han legacy of military organization of the society makes wu a superior and desirable value. The order of honor by military merits, superiority of military offices in the governmental systems and even naming of certain offices using military terms reflect such promotion of the wu value. In the “Military Aristocratic Lineages” section, I demonstrate by tracing information scattered throughout various biographical records in the dynastic histories that some aristocratic lineages advanced or maintained their status mainly through military services. The “Martial Individualism” section explores the relationship between the individual and the state via their negotiation and struggle of power in using violence. This section is inspired and influenced by Sanctioned Violence in Early China. But one of the differences is that I note the possibility of a non-violent manifestation of wu. Lastly, the “Wu of Women” section analyzes two examples of women who display qualities of wu in the dynastic histories and their significance. In conclusion, I argue that wu was still very much an integral part of Han culture despite many social changes from the Former Han to the Later Han. Even though wu probably originated from military actions, it was equally important as a cultural concept in the Han. There were various ways for the Han people to engage in activities that could be labelled wu. Some of these resulted from the momentum of history but others arose due to necessities created by the environment.