A STUDY ON THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE HEREDITARY PRIVILEGE SYSTEM FROM THE ĐINH AND EARLY LE DYNASTIES TO THE NGUYỄN DYNASTY

Abstract

In the history of Vietnam’s monarchical system, the hereditary privilege system was a distinctive form of personnel appointment. It allowed descendants of mandarins or meritorious officials to inherit political status or receive royal favours that facilitated their integration into the bureaucratic apparatus. The dynasties from the Dinh, Early Le to the Nguyen dynasty enacted regulations defining eligibility for hereditary privilege, as part of a broader policy of reward and recognition for members of the royal family, aristocracy, high-ranking officials, and individuals who rendered distinguished service. The determination and expansion of hereditary privilege beneficiaries across dynasties were shaped by the specific historical contexts of each period. Simultaneously, these adjustments reflect an ongoing refinement of the hereditary appointment system, particularly under the Nguyễn dynasty. This article seeks to examine the identification and evolution of eligibility criteria for hereditary privilege from the 10th century to the end of the 19th century under the independent Nguyễn dynasty. Through an analysis of the regulatory framework and the evolution of the eligibility criteria for hereditary privilege beneficiaries over time, this study aims to elucidate the system's historical development within the broader context of Vietnam’s monarchical governance.