Within the framework of the traditional society of Ancient Russia, there were two rather privileged estates in the service of the prince or the tsar - boyars and nobles. Despite some similarities, the position of these two categories of the population was markedly different.
Boyar class
The boyars led their history from the squad of Russian princes of the 11th century. Initially, they received land for the service of the prince, but already by the period of feudal fragmentation, boyar estates became an integral and hereditary possession of boyar families.
Boyars represented a significant political force, especially during the period of conflicts between princes before the creation of a single centralized state. The boyar could choose the prince he wanted to serve, and the support of the wealthy boyars could greatly change the geopolitical balance in a particular region. Since the formation of the centralized Moscow state, the Boyar Duma appears - this estate-representative body was the prototype of the parliament, but played only an advisory role under the tsar - the boyars had the right to council, but could not challenge the decision of the ruler.
The Boyar Duma was abolished by Peter I and was replaced by a collegial management system.
In some situations, the boyars received exclusive political power. For example, this happened in one of the periods of the Time of Troubles, which was named accordingly - Semiboryashina. During this period, a group of boyars actually ruled part of the state during a conflict between several claimants to the throne. When Peter I left Russia for a year, he also received actual control of the country by one of the boyars.
Nobility
The nobility began to be mentioned in Russian sources as early as the period of feudal fragmentation. Their initial status was very different from that of the boyar - the nobleman was obliged to serve the sovereign, and for this he was allocated a land allotment. Initially, it was not inherited - even if the sons of a nobleman also went to serve, they were allocated new lands after the death of their parent. After his death, the wives and daughters of a nobleman could inherit a small amount of money, but not the land and peasants.
The generosity of the nobility was determined by special books. In accordance with the antiquity of the family, each member of the nobility had to take his place in the service. This practice was called parochialism.
By the 17th century, the practice of inheriting the lands granted by the nobles began to appear. Finally, the difference between the boyars and the nobility disappeared under Peter I - he allowed the transfer of land and serfs by inheritance, but obliged any landowner to serve the sovereign in the military or civilian field.
