Panthays

The term "Panthays" refers to the Yunnanese Muslims who rebelled against the Qing dynasty in southwestern China during the mid-19th century. The Panthay Rebellion, also known as the Du Wenxiu Rebellion (1856–1873), was a major uprising primarily led by Hui Muslims in Yunnan province. While the rebellion included people of various ethnic and religious backgrounds, the Hui Muslims, referred to as "Panthays" by the Burmese, formed the core of the rebel forces and leadership. The term itself is believed to be derived from the Burmese word for Muslims from Yunnan, although its precise etymology is debated.

The rebellion was sparked by ethnic tensions, economic grievances, and perceived corruption within the Qing administration. Du Wenxiu, a Hui Muslim leader, emerged as the Sultan of Dali, the capital of the rebel state. The Panthay rebels controlled much of western Yunnan for over a decade, establishing their own administration and engaging in trade with neighboring countries.

Ultimately, the Panthay Rebellion was suppressed by Qing forces. The fall of Dali in 1873 marked the end of the rebellion, and the Qing government retaliated harshly against the Muslim population. Many Panthays were killed or forced to flee Yunnan, seeking refuge in Burma (Myanmar) and other Southeast Asian countries. The descendants of these refugees form significant Muslim communities in the region to this day. The Panthay Rebellion remains a significant historical event, representing a major challenge to Qing authority and highlighting the complex ethnic and religious dynamics of 19th-century China.