Chao Kuang-Yin

(temple name, T’ai-tsu). Born 927; died 976. Chinese emperor (960–976); founder of the Sung Dynasty.

From 951 to 960, before becoming emperor, Chao K’uang-yin was an important warlord in the Chou (Hou Chou) kingdom. He took part in the struggle against the combined forces of the Khitans and the Northern Han state. With the support of the troops under his command, he proclaimed himself emperor during his campaign of 960. Chao K’uang-yin fought successfully against feudal fragmentation; he unified South China, and he restricted the rights of warlords and major feudal lords by appointing officials from the central region to the various districts and prefectures.