Abstract:
The post for agricultural advisors in Jin Dynasty was originally set during the reign of King Hailing. Initially, these advisors were the dual role of local officials. Later, they became commissioners. Among the 25 known agricultural advisors, the Jurchen people were in majority. There were four paths to becoming an advisor, including connection to the imperial family, achievements, hereditary positions, and success in the imperial examinations. Both their lineage and paths to becoming an official reflect the rulers’ initial emphasis on the ethnic characteristics of the Jurchen people. The duties of an advisor included inspection, supervision and suggestion for agriculture in his respective regions. The institution of such post made significant contributions to the recovery and development of local agricultural economies in Jin Dynasty.