Russia witnessed the Revolution in the month of February 1917 (Old Date in Julian Calendar). This Revolution is known as the February 1917 Revolution in Russia. The February 1917 Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the rule of Romanov Dynasty from Russia. Romanov Dynasty was ruling Russia from 1613 AD. Members of Romanov Dynasty were the descendants of Andrei Ivanovich Kobyla. He was a Boyar from Muscovite. Boyars used to be the members of feudal class from Bulgarian Empire, Russia, Serbia, Wallachia or Walachia (historic region of Romania), Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, etc. They used to be very high ranking feudals next to aristocratic or ruling family. The Boyar families used be quite powerful in the period of 10th to 17th centuries. Muscovite was the The Grand Duchy of Moscow or Grand Principality of Moscow. In English it is called as Muscovy. It used to be a principality in Russia during late middle ages (1250 AD to 1500 AD). It was located encompassing the Moscow. Andrei Ivanovich Kobyla was contemporary of Ivan I Kalita (Ivan Danilovich), he was Grand Prince or Grand Duke of Moscow and Vladimir. He was the Grand Prince of Moscow-present day capital of Russia from 1328 to 1340 and that of Vladimir (it is a region located to the east of Moscow.The important rivers in this region are Klyazma and Oka. Its administrative headquarters is Vladimir city located on the banks of Oka river) from 1331 to 1340.
The Romanov Dynasty got its name from Roman Yurev. He was the father-in-law of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan Vasilyevich a.k.a. Ivan IV. He was the Grand Prince of Russia and became the first Tsar of Russia in 1547. He is credited with the establishment of strong central rule in Russia. He also included the non-Slavs in Russian Empire. He was involved in the wars against Sweden (Scandinavian country) and Poland (Eastern European country). In order to make the traditional nobility to accept the strong central rule of Tsar he terrorised them. Anastasiya Romanova Zakharina Yureva, the daughter of Roman Yurev was the first wife of Ivan IV the Terrible. Anastasiya Romanova Zakharina was born in 1530. Being the first wife of Ivan IV the Terrible, she became the first Tsarina of Russian Empire. Her son Fedor I was the last Tsar of Rurikid dynasty. Fedor I died in 1598 which gave rise to crisis in the Russian court. Anastasiya Romanova Zakharina was the great aunt of Michael I, the first Tsar belonging to Romanov Dynasty. He ruled between 1613 to 1645. He was son of Fyodor (Fedor) Nikita Romanov. Nikita was the brother of Anastasiya Romanova Zakharina. His children adopted the surname 'Romanov' in the honour of their grandfather who was also father of Tsarina Anastasiya Romanova.
After Michael I, his son Alexis (Aleksey Mikhaylovich) became the Tsar of Russia. He was born on , 19 March 1969. He ruled from 1645 to 1676. His tutor was Boris Ivanovich Morozov, who was also Tsar Alexis's Chief Minister. He undertook lots of efforts in order to bring changes in the life of Gentry (people and having good social position and below the nobility in rank and position) people from town. His economy or austerity related decisions were responsible for the 1648 rebellion in Moscow. He arranged the marriage of Tsar Alexis with Maria Miloslavskaya and he himself married her sister Anna, thus he became the brother-in-law of Tsar Alexis. Among other things, Boris Ivanovich Morozov established the monopoly of state over tobacco and salt.
Tsar Alexis was succeeded by his son Fyodor III (Fyodor Alekseyevich) as the Tsar of Russia. He was born on 30 May 1661. He ruled from 1676 to 1682. He promoted the western culture i.e. customary beliefs and social forms including the traits of religion, attitudes values, practices, etc. Apart from Russian, he was also trained in Polish and Latin languages. His tutor was Simeon Polotsky who was theologian (expert of theology i.e. study of religion) and had studied at Kiev (capital of Ukraine) and Poland. Fyodor III died on 7 May 1682. Fyodor III didn't have children hence, he was succeeded by two of his brothers viz. Ivan V and Peter I (he was half brother of Fyodor III). Ivan V and Peter I ruled jointly in the period of 1682-1696. Peter I was full- fledged ruler between the period of 1696-1725. During the period of 1682-1689, Sophia Alekseyevna acted as the regent. She was the sister of Ivan V and Peter I. Ivan V was the younger son of Tsar Alexis. His mother was Mariya Ilinichna Miloslavskaya. Ivan V (Ivan Alekseyevich) was born on 6 September 1666. He was mentally and physically unfit. He also suffered from scurvy (it is a disease caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C. Due to it the soreness and stiffness is experienced in joints. After some time bleeding starts from gums and teeth. After a prolonged stage the skin and muscles also gets affected and wounds doesn't get healed. If proper treatment is not taken it may prove to be fatal), he had low eyesight and he was not able to do proper body movements in the later stage of his life. After the death of Fyodor III, his half brother Peter I was to become the Tsar but Sophia, sister of Ivan V interfered in the matters and Ivan V and Peter I became the joint rulers of Russia. Sophia (Sofya Alekseyevna) was born on 27 September 1657. Her tutor was also Simeon Polotsky, the Belarussian scholar.
Peter I (Pyotr Alekseyevich or Peter the Great) was born on 9 June 1672. Peter I is considered as one of the powerful and great rulers of Russia who brought lots of changes in different areas. His mother's name was Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina. She was the second wife of Tsar Alexis. Her father's name was Kirill Naryshkin and he belonged to the family of nobility. Peter I was mentally and physically sound and interested in learning. In the beginning he learnt about many things from Nikita Zotov. He was very much inclined towards outdoor games and learnt the skills of carpentry, work of blacksmith and also printing. He was also interested in seafaring, mathematics and navigation. Peter I had travelled to many European countries. During the time of Peter I Russia was at war with many countries. He had introduced reforms in the field of administration, industry, commerce, technology, etc. Peter I is known as the intelligent, courageous and energetic Tsar of Russia. Peter I died on 8 February 1725.
Peter I was succeeded by his wife Catherine I (Yekaterina Alekseyevna, her original name was Marta Skowronska). She was born on 15 April 1684. She was the second wife of Peter I.
Catherine I was declared co-ruler in 1724, a year before the death of her husband, Peter I. She became full-fledged ruler in 1725 and ruled till 1727. After the death of Catherine I, Peter II became the ruler of Russia. He was great grandson of Peter I. He was born on 23 October 1715 and was Tsar from 1727 to 1730.
Anna (Anna Ivanovna), the second daughter of Ivan V became the Tsarina of Russia in 1730 on the death of Peter II. She was Tsarina from 1730 to 1740. From 1740 to 1741 Ivan VI, son of Anna Leopoldovna became the Tsar. Anna Leopoldovna was Anna Ivanovna's elder sister's daughter. She was Regent of Ivan VI.
In 1741 Ivan VI was made to depose and Elizabeth became the Tsarina of Russia. Elizabeth (Yelizaveta Petrovna in Russian) was born 29 December 1709. She was the Tsarina or Empress of Russia from 1741 to 1762. Her father was Peter I the Great and mother was Catherine I. The coup d'etat was effected by her in 1741 and as mentioned earlier Ivan VI was forced to depose the throne and Elizabeth became the Tsarina. It is said that she had vested the state administration to her favourite persons and advisers which weakened the governance on certain extent. She promoted the progress of education and art during her rule. The first University in Russia was founded during her times in Moscow. The first Academy devoted to Arts was established during her rule in the city of St. Petersburg. She also ordered to build the new palace and the result was the construction of elegant and extravagant fourth Winter Palace on the banks of Neva river in St. Petersburg. The construction of this Winter Palace began in 1754 with 4000 construction workers working on it. The construction of palace was completed after eight years in 1762. The palace had 460 rooms and was a three storey structure. It was designed in Baroque style (the architectural style that originated in late 16th century) by Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli. He was of Italian descent born in Paris in 1700. He moved to St. Petersburg in 1716 along-with his father, Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli who was sculptor. This iconic palace underwent many changes during the reigns of later rulers, especially during the times of Catherine II (reign- 1762 to 1796). She not only dismissed Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli but also ordered most of the Baroque style to be replaced with that of Neoclassical architecture. Neoclassical architecture means the revival of ancient Greek style architecture during 18th and 19th centuries. The notable features of this style are- grandeur, simplicity of geometric forms, use of columns and blank walls. It is said that Catherine II built lots of buildings in this architectural style in St. Petersburg. After the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia after February 1917 Revolution, the Winter Palace was converted into Museum. Elizabeth died in 1762 and her nephew Peter III became the ruler.
Peter III (Pyotr Fyodorovich, original name Karl Peter Ulrich, Herzog von Holstein-Gottorp) was born on 21 February 1728 in the city of Kiel, the capital of the state of Schleswig-Holstein in North-Western Germany. His reign was one of the shortest. He was Tsar from 5 January 1762 to 9 July 1762.
Peter III was overthrown by his wife Catherine II. He was arrested and jailed and died on 18 July 1762. After bringing an end to the reign of Peter III, his wife Catherine II became the ruler. She was a German princess. She is also famous as Catherine the Great. Her original German name was Sophie Friederike Auguste, Prinzessin von Anhalt-Zerbst. She was born on 2 May 1729 in Settin city located in North-Western Poland. This city is located on the western bank of Oder river. At present this river is a boundary between Germany and Poland. Catherine the Great ruled from 1762 to 1796. Notable events of her reign in which she was involved were- Russo-Turkish Wars, Partitions of Poland, Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji, Eastern Question and Treaty of Georgievsk. It is said that Catherine II was tone-deaf. A person who is not able percieve or understand differences of musical pitch accurately is called as tone-deaf. So, whenever she used to attend the music programmes like opera, ballets and cocerts, had to receive a signal to applaud. There were numerous uprisings against her. Catherine was having many affairs and lovers. It is said that she gave lots of gifts to her former lovers. These gifts included land, titles, servants, etc. Catherine II is even today remembered as one of the greatest rulers of Russia. During her time Russia conquered Crimea. Voltaire and Denis Diderot, the great French intellectuals and philosophers of 18th century whose writings partly inspired the Revolution of 1789 in France were her friends. She promoted literature, sciences and Russian culture. She also established many schools. She used to write the literary reviews as well. 'Instruction of Catherine the Great' is her important work, it is a document which recommended the liberal and humanitarian theories as the foundation for government reforms and legal codes. She was a woman having intellectual curiosity who did not like her son Paul very much but loved her grandsons, especially Alexander, her eldest grandson.
Catherine the Great' died on 17 November 1796. After her death her son Paul became the Russian Emperor. Paul (Pavel Petrovich) was born on 1 October 1754. He ruled from 1796 to 1801. Nikita Ivanovich Panin was the tutor of Paul. Nikita Iavanovich Panin was the Russian statesman and chief diplomatic advisor to Catherine the Great. Paul did not have good relations with his mother, Catherine II. Catherine the Great wanted, Alexander her grandson and son of Paul should succeed her as the next ruler of Russia. But Paul was able to capture the Crown after her death. His policies were almost cruel and he used to execute his decisions in an unpredictable way. Hence, a section of nobility and powerful people went against him and he was murdered on 23 March 1801 in his Bedchamber in Mihaylovsky Palace. The main conspirators behind this assanination were Count Peter von Pahlen, governor-general of St. Petersburg, and General Leonty Leontyevich, Count von Bennigsen.
After the assassination of Paul, his son Alexander was placed on the throne of Russia. Alexander I (Aleksandr Pavlovich) was born on 23 December 1777. He was the Emperor of Russia between 1801 to 1825. He enjoyed good and tensed relations alternately with Napoleon Bonaparte of France. But, the role of Alexander was very crucial in the formation of a European Coalition (1813-15) which ultimately resulted into the downfall of Napoleon. Alexander was the son of Tsar Paul and Maria Fyodrovna. Alexander was groomed by his grandmother, Catherine the Great, who loved him a lot and wanted him to become next ruler of Russia instead of her son Paul. It is said that Catherine the Great wanted Denis Diderot, the great French thinker who had written the Encyclopedias, among other things, to train and educate Alexander. But, Denis Diderot declined the offer and Frederic-Cesar de La Harpe, the Swiss political leader and Vaudois patriot (Vaud is a canton i.e. administrative subdivision in western part of Switzerland located near the boundary of France). Tsar Alexander's military trainer was Aleksey Andreyevich, Graf Arakcheyev. Alexander had a love and affection for his military trainer, hence Aleksey Andreyevich, Graf Arakcheyev used to interfere and influence the affairs of the state, hence the last decade of Alexander's reign was called as Arakcheyevshchina. The important events of Alexander I's times in which he was involved were- Napoleonic Wars, Congress of Vienna, Treaties of Tilsit, Battle of Austerlitz, Congress of Aix-La-Chapelle and Congress of Troppau. During the concluding years of his rule Alexander was attracted towards religion and mysticism. His wife and empress was Princess Louise of Baden, later on she came to be known as Elizabeth Alexeievna. She was beautiful and shy woman. It is said that Tsar Alexander and Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna developed distance in their relationship and both were having affairs. When empress got ill, Alexander took her to Taganrog. Taganrog is a city and port located on the coast of Sea of Azov. The Sea of Azov is an inland sea located on the southern side of Ukraine and Russia. It is considered as the northern extension of Black Sea. The Sea of Azov and Black Sea are connected with each other through Kerch Strait. The length of Sea of Azov is 340 kilometers, width is 135 kilometers and its total area is 37,600 square miles. Emperor, Peter I the Great had developed a naval Base and fortress here in Taganrog in 1698. It is a birthplace of famous 19th century Russian writer Anton Chekhov whose short stories are very popular worldwide. Tsar Alexander and Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna were having a great time together in this windy seaport. But, it is said that Alexander developed malaria or pneumonia and died suddenly in 1825. Some people say he died due to typhus, a disease in which person suffers from fever, headache and rashes on body.
After the death of Alexander I, one of his brothers, Nicholas I ( Nikolay Pavlovich) became the Tsar of Russia. He was born on 6 July 1796. He ruled from 1825 to 1855 for thirty years. He is famous as the reactionary aristocrat in the history of Russia. Some of the important events during his time were- Russo-Turkish Wars, Crimean War and November Insurrection. The first teacher of Nicholy I was Jane Lyon, the Scottish woman. Later on he was trained and educated under the guidance of many teachers. He studied the subjects like world history and geography, Russian history and geography, religion, drawing, arithmetic, geometry, algebra and physics. He also learnt horse riding, dancing, music and singing, political economy, logic, moral philosophy, natural law and strategy. He knew many languages which included Russian, German, French, Latin, Greek and English. He had travelled to England and spent time in the company of Duke of Wellington. It is said that Nicholas I's height was more than six feet and he was considered as one of the most handsome man in Europe. He was married to Alexandra Feodorovna (Princess Charlotte of Prussia), daughter of king Frederick William III of Prussia. Nicholas I died on 2 March 1855 in Winter Palace, St. Petersburg. At the time of his death Russia was involved in Crimean War. It is said that he started suffering from pneumonia and declined to take medical treatment. It was rumoured that he might have committed suicide. He had seven children, they were Alexander II of Russia, Maria, Duchess of Leuchtenberg, Olga, Queen of Wurttemberg, Grand Duchess Alexandra, Grand Duke Konstantin, Grand Duke Nicholas and Grand Duke Michael. Grand Duchess Alexandra had died in 1844.
After the death of Nicholas I his son Alexander II (Aleksandr Nikolayevich) became the Emperor of Russia. He ruled from 1855 to 1881. Alexander II also held the titles of the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Finland. He was inclined towards introducing reforms in Russia. One of the important reforms introduced by him was the Emancipation of Serfs (1861). The agricultural labourers who were forced by Feudal Lords to work on their land were called as Serfs. One may call them agricultural slaves of Feudal Lords or Feudal Class. Alexander II was tutored by Russian poet, Vasily Andreyevich Zhukovsky. Defeat of Russia in Crimean War had angered the educated class in Russia. This class was demanding certain changes in the ruling system of Russia. He realized that Russia was much backward in comparison with England and France, he started introducing changes in Russia with the intention to modernise it and develop it on the lines of advanced nations of Europe. It is said that he gave emphasis on building rail-roads, hence at the time of his death Russia had the 22,525 kilometers of track in 1881 and when he became the Emperor in 1855 Russia had only 965 kilometers of railway tracks. During his time banking, credit institutions and joint stock companies were also developed. By the statute of 1864 the reforms were introduced in the judicial system. Military was reformed and medieval style heavy punishments were given up. During the time of Alexander II the youth was involved in revolutionary activities and an attempt was made to assassinate Tsar Alexander II in 1866. The young man who made this attempt was Dmitry Karakozov. In 1867 the province of Alaska was sold to United States of America. Russia during this time expanded her boundaries in Central Asia (especially modern day Uzbekistan) and also Vladivostok was developed as an important city in far eastern region located close to China. Vladivostok was almost given the status of Russian capital of far eastern region. On 13 March 1881 Alexander II was assassinated by the members of People's Will (Narodnaya Volya). Tsar could not be killed by the first bomb thrown by Nikolai Risokov. But, the second bomb hurled by Ignacy Hryniewiecki (Ignaty Grinevitsky) wounded Tsar fatally. On same at 3.30 he died in Winter Palace, St. Petersburg. Some of his remarks are quite famous. It is said that once he had said- "It is not difficult to rule Russia, but it is useless".
After the assassination of Alexander II, his second son Alexander III (Aleksandr Aleksandrovich) became the Emperor. He ruled from 1881 to 1894. He knew English, French and German languages apart from Russian. He had undergone the military training. Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev guided him in his study of principles of law and administration. Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev was a civil servant and philosopher. It is said that Alexander III abolished most of the reforms introduced by his father, Alexander II. Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev was his advisor responsible for his reactionary policies. Tsar Alexander III is famous as 'The Peacemaker' in the modern history of Russia because unlike most of his predecessors Russia did not fight big wars during his time. He was born on 10 March 1845. He did not possess the refined personality like his father. But, he was physically strong with the hieght of more than six feet. He had liking for music and ballet. It is said that Alexander III was not on good terms with his father during the later years. Russia faced severe famine in the year 1891-92, it is estimated that during this famine around 3,75000 to 500,000 people died. Even, Leo Tolstoy was involved in relief work during the famine and Anton Chekhov oriented people and created awareness among them about cholera. Alexander III was anti Jew. He disliked Germany and promoted Russian nationalism during his time. Alexander III's residence was shifted to Great Gatchina Palace after the assassination of his father. He used to take his family to Denmark for summer vacations as King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark were his parents-in-law. During this vacation he used to meet his relatives from Royal Families of UK and Greece and Royal Friends from other parts of Europe. Alexander III was suffering from kidney related disease which became lethal in 1894. He was to go to Mon Repos Villa on the island of Corfu in Mediterranean Sea for taking rest. This Villa belonged to Queen Olga of Greece who was Tsarina Maria Fyodrovna's sister-in-law. But, on his way Tsar's condition deteriorated a lot, hence Alexander III haulted at Maly Palace in Livadia, Crimea and he breathed his last on 1 November 1894 in the hands of his wife and Tsarina Maria Fyodrovna.
Alexander III was succeeded by his son Nicholas II (Nikolai II Alexandrovich) on 1 November 1894 as the Emperor of Russia. He was born on 18 May 1868. He proved to be the last Tsar of Russia who was forced to abdicate in March 1917 by the Revolutionary forces and the Romanov royal dynasty ceased to rule Russia anymore. Historians have described him as aristocratic but weak ruler. He did not possess strong personality in contrast to his wife Tsar Alexandra. Hence, throughout his life he was not only devoted to her but was also under her influence and control. Alexandra was born on 6 June 1872. Her father was Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse. Her mother was Princess Alice of United Kingdom, the second daughter of Queen Victoria of United Kingdom. Alexandra was the favourite granddaughter of Queen Victoria. It is said that Alexandrina inherited the Haemophilia disease from Queen Victoria. In this disease body's ability to make blood clot and to stop bleeding is affected. Nicholas II's and Alexandra's youngest son and heir Alexei Nikolaevich also suffered from the same disease. Nicholas II prefferred promoting cordial relations with France. He also improved the relations with United Kingdom by signing the Anglo-Russian Entente and these two countries became allies against aggressive designs of Germany. The Tsar used to believe that he had become the ruler by the wish of the God. Hence, he was reluctant to give concessions to constitutionalists and share his power with anybody. He was of the opinion that the common people in Russia love him as their Tsar. He nourished the dream of building big Russian empire in Asia and it is said that he wanted to bring China, Tibet and Persia (Iran) under Russian control. It can be said that the ambition of Nicholas II to expand Russian empire in Asia, especially in China (Far East), ultimately brought Russia into straight conflict with Japan and the result was Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. In this war Russia faced crushing defeat at the hands of small Asian country like Japan. One of the important achievements during the rule of Nicholas II was the completion of Trans-Siberian Railway connecting Moscow with Vladivostok (the city in extreme eastern part of Russia). This rail route covered the distance of 9,289 kilometers. One of the shocking incidents of Nicholas's reign was Bloody Sunday. Group of workers and other demonstrators were marching towards the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg under the leadership of Father Gapon in order to submit their demands to Tsar. The procession was going on in a peaceful manner. The protesters were singing the national anthem of Russia- 'Long Live the Tsar'. The soldiers of Tsar opened fire on this mob in which as many as ninety two people got killed and many more got wounded. This infamous incident is known as the 'Bloody Sunday' in the history of Russia. It led to the Revolution of 1905 and historians believed that it triggered the downfall of Romanov dynasty after the February 1917 Revolution in Russia. James Ramsay MacDonald who served as the Prime Minister of United Kingdom in 1924 and subsequently from 5 June 1929 to 7 June 1936 condemned this incident and described Tsar Nicholas II as, 'blood-stained creature and a common murderer'. Tsar made one more great mistake by personally taking over the command of First World War, which was quite unpopular among the Russians and sealed his fate.
One of the reasons for the Revolution of February 1917 against Tsar Nicholas II was undue influence of Gregori Rasputin on him and Tsarina Alexandra. Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin was born on 21 January 1869 in the village of Pokrovskoye located in Yarkovsky district of Tyumen Oblast (Western Siberia). He was born in peasant family. It is said that he was involved in drinking and thefts while he was in his native place. He married Praskovya Dubrovina in 1887. She was from the peasants family. Praskovya and Rasputin had seven children of whom three survived. Even though Rasputin wandered to different places and finally got mingled with Russian Royal Family in capital, Praskovya remained in Pokrovskoye village and was devoted to her husband till his death. Rasputin, left his home, went on pilgrimage and became famous as a religious personality, mystic and a healer. Rasputin met Tsar Nicholas II for the first time on 1 November 1905. According to historians he started healing and praying for Alexei, the son of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra and heir apparent from November 1905 or October 1906. Historians have differences over the exact date in this regard. But, it can be said that Rasputin was in close contact with the Russian Royal Family from October 1906 onwards. Alexei was suffering from hemophilia, described as the 'Royal Disease of Europe' as many members from European Royal families from different countries were suffering from this disease, thanks to Queen Victoria of United Kingdom as her two daughters, Princess Alice and Princess Beatrice became instrumental in passing this disease through their marriage to the German Royals. Young Alexei used to suffer from internal hemorrhages and also due to getting hurt bleeding used to start. At such times Royal Family used to request Rasputin to pray for their child. On one occasion, when Alexei was bleeding profoundly, as usual Rasputin was consulted and he advised not to allow Doctors to disturb Alexei and mysteriously, the child got well after long hours. It seems he might have got cured when internal bleeding stopped on its own. Some people say that Rasputin might have used the method of hypnosis for curing Alexei on several occasions. But, it made the Tsar and Tsarina to think that their child was feeling better due to the healing and mystic powers of the 'Godman' Rasputin. This 'Godman' was famous for using foul language, drinking alcohol heavily and visiting brothels during night. In Russian capital there was a rumour that Rasputin and Tsarina were having an affair. Rasputin also used to tell people how he had an access to the bedroom of Tsarina and even can sleep on her bed. It is said that Maria Fyodrovna, Tsar's mother was deeply disturbed by the rumours of romantic involvement of Rasputin and Tsarina Alexandrina. She used to describe Rasputin as hooligan. It is said that she had given ultimatum to Tsar Nicholas II that he had to choose between his mother and Rasputin. But, Nicholas II was not ready to distance himself and his family from Rasputin. At last, Maria Fyodrovna left St. Petersburg and went to Kiev (capital of Ukraine) and did not return till the death of Rasputin. It was a general belief that Rasputin used to ask for bribes and made sexual advances on the persons (women) who used to come into his contact. Historians say that he even started giving wrong and ill advise to Tsar about the political matters which was resented by many. Ultimately, Rasputin was murdered on the wee hours of 30 December 1916 at the house of Felix Yusupov. The persons who planned and executed the murder of Rasputin were Prince Felix Felixovich Yusupov, Count Sumarokov-Elston (he had married Princess Irina Alexandrovna, the niece of Tsar Alexandrina), Grand Duke Dimitri Pavlovich (grandson of Tsar Alexander II of Russia and a first cousin of Tsar Nicholas II) and Vladimir Mitrofanovich Purishkevich (the right wing Russian politician who believed in monarchy, ultra-nationalism, antisemitism and anti-communism). The details of the death of Rasputin shows that he was a man of immense physical strength. Felix Yusupov offered him the cake and tea containing cyanide (poison), Rasputin consumed it but it could not affect him. Rasputin was served the Madeira wine on his demand it was also poisoned and he drank as many as three glasses of it, but was still unaffected. At last he was shot with revolver, but did not die instantly and counter- attacked his attackers, after shooting more bullets his body was thrown in Malaya Nevka River from Petrovsky Bridge. Post Mortem of Rasputin's body showed that he died because of his When his dead body was discovered, it was found that his were lungs filled with water. It means that he was alive for at least some time even after his body was thrown into river.
Tsar Nicholas II's rule became utterly unpopular which resulted into the February Revolution of 1917. This Revolution is called as the February Revolution as according to old or Julian Calendar it began on 22 February 1917 and was going on till 3 March 1917. According to modern dates the Revolution started on 8 March 1917 and going on till 16 March 1917. Nicholas II decided to abdicate the throne on 15 March 1917 in favour of his brother Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich (the youngest son of Tsar Alexander III and youngest brother of Nicholas II) but Michael refused to be the next Tsar of Russia and the 304 years old rule of Romanov dynasty came to an end in Russia.
After February 1917 Revolution, Alexander Kerensky's Provisional Government was formed in Russia. Tsar Nicholas II contemplated with the idea of going in to exile in United Kingdom or France, but both these countries were reluctant to give asylum to Romanov family. Hence, Nicholas II and his family was put under house arrest in the Alexander Palace (Tsarskoye Selo, St. Petersburg). Later on the Royal Family was transferred to the town of Tobolsk in Western Siberia, where they lived in Governor's Mansion. The erstwhile ruling family of Russia was moved from here also and was taken to Ipatiev House in the city of Yekaterinburg in Sverdlovsk Oblast/Region in Urals. Meantime, the October Revolution/Bolshevik Revolution had taken place in Russia bringing Communists to power under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin. The Romanov family including Tsar Nicholas II was shot and killed on the night of 16-17 July 1917 in Yekaterinburg. When some of them couldn't die after gun shots, the bayonets of guns were used to kill them. This execution was carried out under the supervision of Bolshevik Revolutionary, Yakov Mikhailovich Yurovsky. It is said that the dead bodies of royals were taken to woods, burned, put in acid and thrown into the abondoned mineshaft. In 1979 the bodies of Romanov family were excavated and in 1998 it was proved that it belonged to Nicholas II and his family members except Alexei and one of the daughters of Nicholas II. In 2008 the remains of the dead body of Alexei and his sister were also identified. The identification of bodies was possible mainly due to DNA Test. In 1998 the remains of the dead body of Nicholas II and his close family were buried in St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia accorded Sainthood to Nicholas II and his family posthumously in 1981 which was subsequently approved by the Russian Orthodox Church as well. Today, the devout Russians believe that prayers offered to the Romanov family cures them from illness.
Asst. Prof. Subhash G. Shinde Vice Principal and HoD, History VPM's Joshi-Bedekar College, Thane