Земства were local self-government institutions established in the Russian Empire in the 1860s. They were created to provide a degree of administrative autonomy to rural areas, allowing local communities to manage their own affairs, such as education, health care, and infrastructure. Zemstva were composed of elected representatives from various social classes, which aimed to involve citizens in governance. The introduction of zemstva was part of the broader reforms initiated by Tsar Alexander II to modernize Russia and improve local governance. These institutions played a significant role in the development of civil society and local democracy, influencing future governance structures in Russia.