Trần Nhật Duật
Encyclopedia
Prince Chiêu Văn Trần Nhật Duật (1255–1330) was the sixth prince of Trần Thái Tông
, first emperor of Trần Dynasty. Being younger brother of the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông
, Trần Nhật Duật was one of the most important figures of Trần family and royal court during the reigns of four successive emperors Thánh Tông, Nhân Tông, Anh Tông
and Minh Tông
. In the second war of resistance against Mongol invasion
, Trần Nhật Duật was the general who commanded Đại Việt army to defeat the navy of Mongol general Sogetu in Battle of Hàm Tử, one of the biggest victories of Trần Dynasty. With his knowledge of numerous foreign languages and cultures, Prince Chiêu Văn was also a prominent diplomat of Trần Dynasty who helped the Emperor to maintain good relations with several ethnic groups in the northwestern region of Đại Việt.
. According to Đại Việt sử kí toàn thư, Trần Nhật Duật was born with four characters "Chiêu Văn đồng tử" ("pupil of Chiêu Văn") in his arm, that's why he was entitled Prince Chiêu Văn (Vietnamese
: Chiêu Văn vương) in 1268. Besides the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông
, Trần Nhật Duật had two other famous elder brothers, Prince Chiêu Minh (Chiêu Minh vương) Trần Quang Khải
who was grand chancellor of royal court and Prince Chiêu Quốc (Chiêu Quốc vương) Trần Ích Tắc
who was broadly known not only for his intelligence but also for his notorious defection to Yuan
side during the second Mongol invasion of Đại Việt
.
Since he was young, Trần Nhật Duật began to make friends with many foreigners from Champa
or Song Dynasty
with whom he could discuss by their own languages and customs. One of them was Triệu Trung, a refugee from China, who eventually became Trần Nhật Duật's subordinate during the war against Yuan Dynasty. Prince Chiêu Văn spoke foreign languages, even some exotic ones, so well that he was once mistaken as a Chinese by an Yuan ambassador.
in Battle of Yamen
which marked the end of Song Dynasty and the total control of Kublai Khan
over China
. As a result, Kublai Khan began to expose his attempt to take over the southern countries like Đại Việt or Champa
. In December 1284, the second Yuan's invasion of Đại Việt was opended under the command of Kublai Khan's prince Toghan. Đại Việt was attacked in two directions, Toghan himselft conducted the infantry invaded from the northern border while Yuan's navy under general Sogetu advanced from the southern border through Champa
's territory. At the beginning of the war, Prince Chiêu Văn took charge of a military base near the northern border, thanks to his accurate judgment, Trần Nhật Duật's troops was able to escape the trap of Yuan army and successfully retreated. Ultimately Sogetu's army suffered heavy defeat in Battle of Hàm Tử where Trần Nhật Duật commanded an allied troops of Đại Việt soldiers and former Song refugees.
During the reign of Trần Anh Tông
, Prince Chiêu Văn and general Phạm Ngũ Lão
were responsible for the quelling some rebellions in northern region.
, Prince Chiêu Văn became an important figures of both royal family and royal court, he was appointed as grand chancellor in 1302 during the reign of Anh Tông. Since the other sons of Anh Tông all died at a young age, the Emperor had Trần Nhật Duật take the duty of bringing up crown prince
Trần Mạnh, his only surviving son. Indeed Prince Trần Mạnh was well looked after due to the whohearted devotion of Trần Nhật Duật and finally became the Emperor Trần Minh Tông. It was also Trần Nhật Duật and Trần Quốc Tú who assisted the 12-year-old Crown Prince Trần Mạnh in ruling the country when Anh Tông was away for a military campaign against Champa
in 1312.
Trần Nhật Duật died in 1330 at the age of 77.
origin, so his other concubines all came from Thanh Hóa and descendants of Prince Chiêu Văn were often appointed as officials in this region. The only son of Trần Nhật Duật is Marquis Cương Đông Văn Hiến (Cương Đông Văn Hiến hầu), who plotted with Trần Khắc Chung the defamation campaign which led to the death of Trần Quốc Chẩn, father-in-law of the Emperor and prominent general, in order to keep the position of throne successor for prince Trần Vượng.
praised Trần Nhật Duật as not only a capable official but also a gentleman of intelligence and culture. Despite holding high position in royal court for many years, Prince Chiêu Văn always kept an amiable, tolerant attitude and was well-known as a scholar with wide knowledge. Therefore he was compared with Guo Ziyi
, one of the greatest generals and mandarins in Chinese history. Modern opinions still consider Trần Nhật Duật, together with Trần Hưng Đạo and Trần Quang Khải
, as the most important members of Trần clan who were credited with the victories over Yuan Dynasty and the prosperous situation in Đại Việt afterwards. A main street in Hanoi
and many places in Vietnam are named in honour of Trần Nhật Duật.
Trần Thái Tông
Trần Thái Tông, born name: Trần Cảnh , July 17, 1218-May 4, 1277) was the first emperor of the Trần Dynasty, seated on the throne for 33 years , being Grand Emperor for 19 years.-Biography:...
, first emperor of Trần Dynasty. Being younger brother of the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông
Tran Thanh Tong
Trần Thánh Tông , given name Trần Hoảng , was the second emperor of the Trần Dynasty, reigning over Đại Việt from 1258 to 1278. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Nhân Tông, Thánh Tông held the title Thái thượng hoàng from 1279 to his death in 1290...
, Trần Nhật Duật was one of the most important figures of Trần family and royal court during the reigns of four successive emperors Thánh Tông, Nhân Tông, Anh Tông
Trần Anh Tông
Trần Anh Tông , given name Trần Thuyên , was the fourth emperor of the Trần Dynasty, reigning over Đại Việt from 1293 to 1314. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Minh Tông, Anh Tông held the title Thái thượng hoàng for six years...
and Minh Tông
Trần Minh Tông
Trần Minh Tông , given name Trần Mạnh , was the fifth emperor of the Trần Dynasty who ruled Đại Việt from 1314 to 1329. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Hiến Tông, Minh Tông held the title of Thái thượng hoàng for 29 years...
. In the second war of resistance against Mongol invasion
Mongol invasions of Vietnam
Mongol invasions of Vietnam or Mongol-Vietnamese War refer to the three times that the Mongol Empire and its chief khanate the Yuan Dynasty invaded Đại Việt during the Trần Dynasty and the Kingdom of Champa: in 1257–1258, 1284–1285, and 1287–1288. The Mongols were defeated by Đại...
, Trần Nhật Duật was the general who commanded Đại Việt army to defeat the navy of Mongol general Sogetu in Battle of Hàm Tử, one of the biggest victories of Trần Dynasty. With his knowledge of numerous foreign languages and cultures, Prince Chiêu Văn was also a prominent diplomat of Trần Dynasty who helped the Emperor to maintain good relations with several ethnic groups in the northwestern region of Đại Việt.
Background
Trần Nhật Duật was born in 1255 as the sixth son of the Emperor Trần Thái TôngTrần Thái Tông
Trần Thái Tông, born name: Trần Cảnh , July 17, 1218-May 4, 1277) was the first emperor of the Trần Dynasty, seated on the throne for 33 years , being Grand Emperor for 19 years.-Biography:...
. According to Đại Việt sử kí toàn thư, Trần Nhật Duật was born with four characters "Chiêu Văn đồng tử" ("pupil of Chiêu Văn") in his arm, that's why he was entitled Prince Chiêu Văn (Vietnamese
Vietnamese language
Vietnamese is the national and official language of Vietnam. It is the mother tongue of 86% of Vietnam's population, and of about three million overseas Vietnamese. It is also spoken as a second language by many ethnic minorities of Vietnam...
: Chiêu Văn vương) in 1268. Besides the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông
Tran Thanh Tong
Trần Thánh Tông , given name Trần Hoảng , was the second emperor of the Trần Dynasty, reigning over Đại Việt from 1258 to 1278. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Nhân Tông, Thánh Tông held the title Thái thượng hoàng from 1279 to his death in 1290...
, Trần Nhật Duật had two other famous elder brothers, Prince Chiêu Minh (Chiêu Minh vương) Trần Quang Khải
Trần Quang Khải
Prince Chiêu Minh Trần Quang Khải was the third son of Trần Thái Tông, first emperor of the Trần Dynasty. Being younger brother of the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông and holding the position of grand chancellor of the Trần Dynasty for many years, Trần Quang Khải was one of the most important figures of...
who was grand chancellor of royal court and Prince Chiêu Quốc (Chiêu Quốc vương) Trần Ích Tắc
Trần Ích Tắc
Trần Ích Tắc , title before defection Prince Chiêu Quốc was the fifth prince of Trần Thái Tông, first emperor of the Trần Dynasty, and the younger brother of the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông and grand chancellor Trần Quang Khải...
who was broadly known not only for his intelligence but also for his notorious defection to Yuan
Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan Dynasty , or Great Yuan Empire was a ruling dynasty founded by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, who ruled most of present-day China, all of modern Mongolia and its surrounding areas, lasting officially from 1271 to 1368. It is considered both as a division of the Mongol Empire and as an...
side during the second Mongol invasion of Đại Việt
Mongol invasions of Vietnam
Mongol invasions of Vietnam or Mongol-Vietnamese War refer to the three times that the Mongol Empire and its chief khanate the Yuan Dynasty invaded Đại Việt during the Trần Dynasty and the Kingdom of Champa: in 1257–1258, 1284–1285, and 1287–1288. The Mongols were defeated by Đại...
.
Since he was young, Trần Nhật Duật began to make friends with many foreigners from Champa
Champa
The kingdom of Champa was an Indianized kingdom that controlled what is now southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.The Cham people are remnants...
or Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
with whom he could discuss by their own languages and customs. One of them was Triệu Trung, a refugee from China, who eventually became Trần Nhật Duật's subordinate during the war against Yuan Dynasty. Prince Chiêu Văn spoke foreign languages, even some exotic ones, so well that he was once mistaken as a Chinese by an Yuan ambassador.
Diplomatic activities
Two years after the coronation of Trần Nhân Tông in 1278, head of Đà Giang Trịnh Giác Mật rose a revolt against Trần rulers. Being an expert of minority people's language and culture, Trần Nhật Duật was appointed by Nhân Tông to take charge of pacifying this revolt by diplomatic means. At the age of 25, Trần Nhật Duật went directly into the headquarters of Trịnh Giác Mật with only several servants and discussed with the head of revolt by his own language and manner. Trịnh Giác Mật and his men were so impressed by Trần Nhật Duật that they decided to unconditionally surrender Trần Dynasty and the revolt was since put down without any casualty. After the pacification, Trịnh Giác Mật and his family were still well treated by Trần Nhật Duật, therefore Prince Chiêu Văn gradually became a respected figure among ethnic groups in the northwestern region.Military activities
In 1279, Yuan Dynasty had the decisive victory over Song DynastySong Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
in Battle of Yamen
Battle of Yamen
The naval Battle of Yamen took place on 19 March 1279 and is considered to be the last stand of the Song Dynasty against the invading Mongol-controlled Yuan Dynasty...
which marked the end of Song Dynasty and the total control of Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan
Kublai Khan , born Kublai and also known by the temple name Shizu , was the fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire from 1260 to 1294 and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China...
over China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. As a result, Kublai Khan began to expose his attempt to take over the southern countries like Đại Việt or Champa
Champa
The kingdom of Champa was an Indianized kingdom that controlled what is now southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.The Cham people are remnants...
. In December 1284, the second Yuan's invasion of Đại Việt was opended under the command of Kublai Khan's prince Toghan. Đại Việt was attacked in two directions, Toghan himselft conducted the infantry invaded from the northern border while Yuan's navy under general Sogetu advanced from the southern border through Champa
Champa
The kingdom of Champa was an Indianized kingdom that controlled what is now southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.The Cham people are remnants...
's territory. At the beginning of the war, Prince Chiêu Văn took charge of a military base near the northern border, thanks to his accurate judgment, Trần Nhật Duật's troops was able to escape the trap of Yuan army and successfully retreated. Ultimately Sogetu's army suffered heavy defeat in Battle of Hàm Tử where Trần Nhật Duật commanded an allied troops of Đại Việt soldiers and former Song refugees.
During the reign of Trần Anh Tông
Trần Anh Tông
Trần Anh Tông , given name Trần Thuyên , was the fourth emperor of the Trần Dynasty, reigning over Đại Việt from 1293 to 1314. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Minh Tông, Anh Tông held the title Thái thượng hoàng for six years...
, Prince Chiêu Văn and general Phạm Ngũ Lão
Phạm Ngũ Lão
Phạm Ngũ Lão was a general of the Trần Dynasty during the reigns of three successive emperors Nhân Tông, Anh Tông and Minh Tông. His talent was noticed by Prince Hưng Đạo Trần Quốc Tuấn who married his adopted daughter to Phạm Ngũ Lão and recommended him for the royal court...
were responsible for the quelling some rebellions in northern region.
In royal court
Holding several high positions during the reigns of four successive emperors Thánh Tông, Nhân Tông, Anh Tông and Minh TôngTrần Minh Tông
Trần Minh Tông , given name Trần Mạnh , was the fifth emperor of the Trần Dynasty who ruled Đại Việt from 1314 to 1329. After ceding the throne to his son Trần Hiến Tông, Minh Tông held the title of Thái thượng hoàng for 29 years...
, Prince Chiêu Văn became an important figures of both royal family and royal court, he was appointed as grand chancellor in 1302 during the reign of Anh Tông. Since the other sons of Anh Tông all died at a young age, the Emperor had Trần Nhật Duật take the duty of bringing up crown prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
Trần Mạnh, his only surviving son. Indeed Prince Trần Mạnh was well looked after due to the whohearted devotion of Trần Nhật Duật and finally became the Emperor Trần Minh Tông. It was also Trần Nhật Duật and Trần Quốc Tú who assisted the 12-year-old Crown Prince Trần Mạnh in ruling the country when Anh Tông was away for a military campaign against Champa
Champa
The kingdom of Champa was an Indianized kingdom that controlled what is now southern and central Vietnam from approximately the 7th century through to 1832.The Cham people are remnants...
in 1312.
Trần Nhật Duật died in 1330 at the age of 77.
Family
Trần Nhật Duật had one wife, Lady Trinh Túc, who was of Thanh HóaThanh Hóa
Thanh Hóa is the capital city of Vietnam's Thanh Hoa province. The population is nearly 200,000 with an area of only 57.9 square kilometers....
origin, so his other concubines all came from Thanh Hóa and descendants of Prince Chiêu Văn were often appointed as officials in this region. The only son of Trần Nhật Duật is Marquis Cương Đông Văn Hiến (Cương Đông Văn Hiến hầu), who plotted with Trần Khắc Chung the defamation campaign which led to the death of Trần Quốc Chẩn, father-in-law of the Emperor and prominent general, in order to keep the position of throne successor for prince Trần Vượng.
Legacy
In his work Đại Việt sử kí toàn thư, the royal historian Ngô Sĩ LiênNgô Sĩ Liên
Ngô Sĩ Liên was an historian of the Lê Dynasty. He is best known for being the principal compiler of the Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư, a comprehensive chronicle of the history of Vietnam and the oldest official historical record of a Vietnamese dynasty that remains today...
praised Trần Nhật Duật as not only a capable official but also a gentleman of intelligence and culture. Despite holding high position in royal court for many years, Prince Chiêu Văn always kept an amiable, tolerant attitude and was well-known as a scholar with wide knowledge. Therefore he was compared with Guo Ziyi
Guo Ziyi
Guo Ziyi , formally Prince Zhongwu of Fenyang , was a general during the Tang Dynasty who ended the An Shi Rebellion, and participated in expeditions against the peoples of Huihe and Tubo...
, one of the greatest generals and mandarins in Chinese history. Modern opinions still consider Trần Nhật Duật, together with Trần Hưng Đạo and Trần Quang Khải
Trần Quang Khải
Prince Chiêu Minh Trần Quang Khải was the third son of Trần Thái Tông, first emperor of the Trần Dynasty. Being younger brother of the Emperor Trần Thánh Tông and holding the position of grand chancellor of the Trần Dynasty for many years, Trần Quang Khải was one of the most important figures of...
, as the most important members of Trần clan who were credited with the victories over Yuan Dynasty and the prosperous situation in Đại Việt afterwards. A main street in Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi , is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction. From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam...
and many places in Vietnam are named in honour of Trần Nhật Duật.