Shi Danai


Shi Danai, also known by his former name Ashina Danai, was a Turkic prince and the first foreigner to be a general in the Tang army. He was probably the eldest son of Chuluo Qaghan.

Career under Sui dynasty

Shi Dinai submitted to Chinese rule as early as reign of Emperor Yang of Sui in 611. He and his followers were granted Loufan County in the northern province of Shanxi. He took part in the Goguryeo–Sui War from 612 to 614.

Career under Gaozu of Tang

He later joined Emperor Gaozu of Tang in his campaign against the Sui dynasty's region of Guanzhong in 617. His 500-strong Turkic cavalry was instrumental in defeating Sui general Sang Xianhe during the Battle of Yinma Spring from an attack on his rear, for which he was rewarded with the honorific title Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. He was bestowed a Chinese surname Shi after Li Yuan entered Chang'an same year. Following the establishment of the Tang dynasty, he participated in battles against Xue Ju, Wang Shichong, Dou Jiande and Liu Heita under the command of Emperor Taizong.

Later life

He retired in the early reign of Emperor Taizong and was appointed Right Wuwei General of the Tang army. He was also granted governorship of Fengzhou and named Duke Dou by Taizong with 300 people assigned to his household. He died in 638 and was buried in the Zhao Mausoleum.

Family

He had two sons. Shi Renbiao married Princess Pu'an, the eighth daughter of Taizong of Tang. The other was Shi Renji.

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