The wealthy class

Japanese: 富豪層 - ふごうそう

A historical term used to describe the class of local influential people who transformed and dismantled the Ritsuryo system of rule in the early Heian period, and who were the driving force behind the transition to a dynastic state and manorial rule. The term is based on the fact that official documents and official histories of the time refer to those who obstructed Ritsuryo administration among the general public as "Tomogara (a group of wealthy people)." They were a type of local clan, but they were not necessarily traditional clans like the Gunji class, and were often new and emerging forces from outside the area, also known as "Tomogara Ronin (a group of wealthy ronin)," and therefore they were very active in disrupting and destroying the old system.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

平安時代初期に律令制支配を変質･解体させ，王朝国家および荘園制支配へと転換する推進力となった在地有力者の階層をあらわす歴史学上の用語。当時の官符や正史が民間において律令行政を阻害する張本人を〈富豪の輩（ともがら）〉と呼んでいることにもとづく。一種の地方豪族であるが，必ずしも郡司層のような伝統的豪族ではなく，むしろ〈富豪浪人〉ともいわれるような外来新興の勢力である場合が多く，それゆえに旧体制を攪乱し破壊する活動も激しかった。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

<<: Bukō Chronology - Bukō Chronology

>>: Unfair trade practices