Coastal Reclamation in Nam Dinh under the Early Le Dynasty: the Case of Quan Anh (1485-1511)

Abstract

In order to promote agriculture, the Early Le Dynasty encouraged people to reclaim wasteland. Not only the size of cultivation land was increased which consequently led to the increase of the country's agricultural production, this policy also helped establish new residence areas. Based on fieldwork data and information extracted from Vietnamese annals, this article aims to highlight the reclamation process in Quan Anh (Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province), focusing on the following aspects: the area and labor force; land achievement from the reclamation and the socio-economic conditions in Quan An. This reclamation was undertaken by poor farmers in many years. Because of the vast area as well as severe condition, the reclamation process in Quan Anh progressed slowly aristocracies during the Tran dynasty (1126-1400) and the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). A study of the purpose of the land reclamation in Quan Anh shows the farmer's desire for private land ownership. The Early Le dynasty's recognition of private land ownership was an important motive which enabled the success of this reclamation.