The Historical Map of Liangzhou and Yizhou in the Western Jin Dynasty of China

Map Introduction

During the Western Jin Dynasty, the historical evolution of Liang Province and Yi Province was primarily reflected in administrative adjustments and the implementation of ethnic policies:

Evolution of Liang Province

The Western Jin continued the administrative reorganization initiated by Cao Wei following its conquest of the Shu Han state. Eight commanderies originally belonging to Yi Province—Hanzhong, Ba, Guanghan, Badong, Baxi, Zitong, Fuling, and Xindu—were transferred to form the new Liang Province. Examples include:

• Hanzhong Commandery: Administered 8 counties, with a population of approximately 15,000 households.
• Ba Commandery: Comprised only 4 counties—Jiangzhou, Dianjiang, Linjiang, and Zhi—with a population of about 3,300 households.
• Guanghan Commandery: Consisted of just 3 counties—Guanghan, Deyang, and Wucheng—with a population of roughly 5,100 households.
• Baxi Commandery: Governed 9 counties, with a population of approximately 12,000 households.

Evolution of Yi Province

By the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Yi Province had gradually been separated from the Liangzhou region. During the Western Jin, it became an independent administrative unit:

• Ning Province: Carved out from the original Yi Province, it existed alongside Liang Province and Yi Province as one of the three major provinces in the region.
• Hexi Region: After the Western Jin conquered Shu, ethnic minority areas originally under Yong Province were incorporated into Liang Province. However, actual governance relied primarily on military suppression.

Impact of Ethnic Policies

The Western Jin implemented a hardline policy towards the ethnic minorities in Liang Province. For instance, Hu Lie was dispatched to garrison Qinzhou (modern Gansu). However, due to mishandling of local affairs, ethnic tensions intensified, resulting in the displacement of afflicted populations.