On Gaoshen In Tang And Song Periods

Gaoshen is also called Guangao or Gao. As an important appointment verification in Tang and Song period, its significant has been recognized by schools long before. As a record type, it has its unique writing form and fixed language, and affords special duty. As a appointment verification, Gaoshen not only reflects the political and social status, but also relates to a series of privileges, including commutation of penalty and exemption of taxes. This paper focuses on the evolution of regulations on Gaoshen and its actual practice during Tang and Song periods. According to the record type and function of Gaoshen, it also tries to answer the question why Gaoshen prevailed in the era. The main content is divided into the following four chapters:Chapter one mainly includes three parts, the first part explores the original meaning of the term "Gaoshen" through the textual research on the two words "Gao" and "Shen"; the second part presents all of "Gaoshen" to spell out its origination and formation as a document; the third part analyzes its record type and implies its tendency.Chapter two introduces the function of Gaoshen. Based on the above analysis, this part divides its usages into essential function, a trust authorized by the emperor and stored up by officials; and nonessential applications that fashion in practice. The significance of Gaoshen is illustrated:For the bureaucracy, it is an important tool for the emperor to supervise its officials; For the officials, it is the very warranty of their political privileges and economic interests.Chapters three explains the relevant legal provisions and the system of Gaoshen, which includes the grant and withdraw of the document, the punishment of losing the document, and the procedure of regrant. Through the explanation of the present of Chidie and the abuse when Gaoshen was in practice, this chapter also discloses its trend of decline and its fate of being replaced.Chapter four inspects the disappearance of Gaoshen from two perspectives-the evolution as a record type and the change of its function. In its last part, this paper tries to find out the implicit reason why Gaoshen prevailed only in and faded away after Tang-song Period.