TOPONYMY
Hathras derives its name from a combination of historical and linguistic origins. Local accounts suggest the name comes from “Hasti-Rishi,” a revered sage who once lived in the region. Over time, the name evolved phonetically to “Hathras,” following patterns common in North Indian dialects where compound words become simplified for ease of use.
Another theory traces the name to the Hindi word “hath” (meaning hand or elephant), possibly referring to either a local artisan tradition or a significant elephant population during earlier centuries. However, this link lacks strong historical backing and remains speculative.
Mughal and British records from the 18th and 19th centuries consistently use the name “Hathras,” indicating its established presence in administrative documents. These references confirm that the name had solidified well before the British reorganization of the region’s districts.
The suffix “-ras” has no clear etymological explanation but may reflect a linguistic adaptation of older names now lost to time. Despite differing theories, “Hathras” has remained the official and popular name for centuries.
Thus, the name “Hathras” reflects a blend of local legend, linguistic transition, and historical continuity, anchoring the city’s identity in both cultural memory and recorded history.
HISTORY
Hathras has a history shaped by regional politics, trade, and resistance. During the late 18th century, it emerged as a strategic stronghold under Raja Dayaram, a Jat ruler who consolidated power in the area. He built forts and established a local administration that operated with relative autonomy, despite pressure from the declining Mughal Empire and rising British influence.
In 1817, the British East India Company launched a military campaign against Hathras, citing non-compliance with colonial demands. The British forces laid siege to the Hathras Fort, eventually defeating Raja Dayaram after heavy bombardment. This marked the beginning of formal British control over the region.
Under British rule, Hathras became an important trade center due to its location near major road and rail networks. The town developed a reputation for its handicrafts and became part of the broader colonial economy.
During the Indian independence movement, Hathras witnessed moderate political activity. While it did not serve as a major revolutionary center, local leaders supported national campaigns through protests and awareness drives.
Post-independence, Hathras integrated into the newly formed state of Uttar Pradesh. Its development focused on agriculture, trade, and small-scale industries, which continue to shape its local economy today.
GEOGRAPHY
Hathras lies in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, positioned between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The district spans flat alluvial plains, which form part of the larger Indo-Gangetic belt. Its terrain consists mainly of fertile loam soil, suitable for growing wheat, mustard, and pulses.
The district shares boundaries with Aligarh to the north, Mathura to the west, Agra to the south, and Etah to the east. Hathras falls within the Doab region, which benefits from seasonal monsoons and canal irrigation systems.
The climate remains typically subtropical, with hot summers, a defined monsoon season from June to September, and mild winters. Average annual rainfall ranges between 600 and 800 mm.
No major rivers pass directly through the district, but several canals and minor streams aid agriculture. The topography lacks hills or forests, which gives Hathras a uniform rural landscape that supports dense farming and scattered village settlements.
CLIMATE
Hathras experiences a subtropical climate marked by three distinct seasons—summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers, lasting from March to June, remain hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 42°C. The heat intensifies in May, making it the hottest month of the year.
The monsoon season begins in late June and continues until September. The district receives most of its annual rainfall during this period, with average precipitation ranging from 600 to 800 mm. The rainfall supports agriculture but occasionally disrupts rural connectivity due to waterlogging.
Winters extend from November to February, with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 20°C. January usually records the lowest temperatures. Fog occurs frequently during this season, especially in the early mornings.
Humidity remains low in summer and high during the monsoon months. The region experiences occasional dust storms and dry winds in pre-monsoon periods, which affect visibility and air quality. Overall, the climate supports seasonal farming cycles.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Hathras hosts typical flora and fauna of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The natural vegetation consists mainly of dry deciduous species. Common trees include neem, babool, peepal, and shisham, found along roadsides, farms, and village peripheries. Agricultural land dominates the landscape, limiting the spread of wild vegetation.
The district lacks dense forests or protected wildlife zones. However, small mammals such as jackals, mongooses, and hares inhabit the rural fringes. Reptiles like snakes and lizards appear frequently in cultivated areas and open fields.
Birdlife remains diverse due to the availability of water bodies and farmland. Residents commonly spot mynas, crows, pigeons, parakeets, and egrets. Seasonal migratory birds visit local ponds and canals during winter.
Human settlement and agricultural activity have altered natural habitats, but patches of vegetation and water sources continue to support limited wildlife. The fauna remains adapted to human-dominated landscapes and thrives in cultivated environments.
ECONOMY
Hathras has a mixed economy driven by agriculture, trade, and small-scale industries. Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, mustard, and pulses as the major crops. Farmers use canal and tube-well irrigation to support year-round cultivation. Agricultural produce also sustains local markets and agro-based processing units.
The district hosts a significant number of small manufacturing units, particularly in brassware, carpet weaving, and desi ghee production. These industries operate at household and cooperative levels, contributing to both employment and exports. The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme identifies Hathras for its desi ghee, aiming to promote it through branding and market linkage.
Hathras benefits from its location near major trade routes and railway lines, enabling efficient transport of goods. The district’s markets serve as trading hubs for neighboring rural areas, particularly in grains, oilseeds, and dairy products.
The service sector remains limited but is growing gradually, especially in retail, education, and transport. Financial institutions and cooperative banks support local enterprises and farming activities.
While industrial development remains moderate, the district continues to rely on its agricultural base and traditional crafts to sustain livelihoods and drive local growth. Government schemes aim to strengthen these sectors further.
ADMINISTRATION
Hathras district functions under a standard administrative structure defined by the Uttar Pradesh government. A District Magistrate (DM), an officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), heads the civil administration. The DM oversees revenue collection, law and order, disaster management, and coordination of development programs.
The district divides into four tehsils—Hathras, Sikandra Rao, Sasni, and Sadabad—each managed by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). These tehsils further divide into blocks, which handle rural development and panchayat affairs.
The police administration operates under the Superintendent of Police (SP), an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. The SP supervises crime control, law enforcement, and public safety across police circles and stations.
Urban areas fall under municipal councils, while rural areas function under gram panchayats. Elected representatives at these levels work alongside government officials to implement schemes and deliver services.
The district administration coordinates with departments for health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure to carry out government initiatives.
CIVIC ADMINISTRATION
Hathras’ civic administration functions through local municipal bodies responsible for urban governance and service delivery. The Nagar Palika Parishad oversees sanitation, water supply, street lighting, drainage, and solid waste management within city limits. It collects property tax and issues licenses for local businesses.
The municipal body operates under the supervision of a chairperson and executive officer. They implement state-mandated schemes, manage public amenities, and coordinate infrastructure projects. Ward councillors represent local areas and address civic concerns.
In rural areas, gram panchayats handle similar responsibilities through elected members and panchayat secretaries.
POLICE ADMINISTRATION
The police administration in Hathras operates under the jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh Police. A Superintendent of Police (SP), an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS), leads the district’s law enforcement. The SP oversees crime prevention, investigation, and public order.
The district divides into several police circles, each headed by a Circle Officer (CO). These circles include multiple police stations that handle day-to-day policing, traffic regulation, and community outreach.
The police administration coordinates with civil authorities during festivals, elections, and emergencies to maintain peace and ensure public safety across urban and rural areas.
JUDICIAL INSTITUTION
Hathras hosts a district court that serves as the principal judicial authority in the region. The District Judge heads the court and oversees civil and criminal case proceedings. Subordinate courts, including those of Additional District Judges, Civil Judges, and Judicial Magistrates, handle various categories of cases.
The judiciary functions under the supervision of the Allahabad High Court, which holds appellate jurisdiction over Hathras. Court staff and judicial officers work to ensure timely resolution of disputes and uphold legal procedures.
Legal aid services and Lok Adalats support access to justice for economically weaker sections of the population.
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Hathras houses several central government offices that support administrative and public service functions. The Postal Department operates head and sub-post offices across the district, managing mail services and financial transactions. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) maintain regional offices to provide employment-related and telecom services.
Offices related to agriculture, food supply, and public distribution function under central schemes and monitor local implementation. Banks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India also operate branches and extension counters. These institutions ensure delivery of key central services to Hathras residents.
POLITICS
Politics in Hathras reflects both state-level dynamics and local electoral trends. The district forms part of the Hathras Lok Sabha constituency and includes several Vidhan Sabha segments such as Hathras, Sadabad, and Sikandra Rao. Voters actively participate in both parliamentary and assembly elections, with voter turnout often exceeding state averages.
Major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Indian National Congress (INC), maintain a strong presence. Party workers engage in ground-level campaigns, focusing on issues like rural development, law and order, caste representation, and employment.
The BJP currently holds a dominant position in both Lok Sabha and assembly segments, benefiting from a consolidated voter base and government-backed welfare schemes. However, the SP and BSP continue to command significant support in various rural pockets, shaped by local caste and community affiliations.
Elected representatives work with state and district officials to implement government schemes and address local concerns. Political discourse often centers around infrastructure development, agricultural policies, and social welfare.
Youth and women’s participation in political processes has grown steadily through voter awareness drives and local leadership initiatives, further shaping the democratic landscape of Hathras.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Hathras provides essential public utilities through government departments and local bodies. The Nagar Palika Parishad manages urban water supply, sanitation, street lighting, and waste disposal. It sources water from groundwater and supplies it through piped connections and public taps.
Electricity distribution falls under the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), which handles supply, billing, and maintenance. Rural and urban areas face occasional power outages, especially during peak demand.
The Public Health Engineering Department oversees drainage and water quality monitoring. Solid waste management remains a challenge in dense localities, though door-to-door collection systems operate in many areas.
Telecommunication services, including mobile and internet, are available through both public and private providers. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) maintains a physical presence in the district.
Fuel stations, LPG distribution, and postal services function across urban and rural zones. Banks, ATMs, and digital service centers support basic financial transactions and access to government welfare schemes.
TRANSPORT
Hathras maintains a functional transport network connecting it to nearby districts and major cities. The district lies along National Highway 34, which facilitates road travel to Aligarh, Agra, and Etah. State highways and rural roads link Hathras to surrounding villages, supporting passenger and goods movement.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular bus services from Hathras to regional hubs. Private buses and shared auto-rickshaws also serve short- and medium-distance routes within the district.
Hathras has multiple railway stations, including Hathras Junction, Hathras Road, and Hathras City, which fall on major routes under the North Central Railway zone. These stations handle both passenger and freight traffic.
Local transport includes auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and e-rickshaws, providing last-mile connectivity. The transport department regulates vehicle registration, licensing, and road safety measures.
While air connectivity is absent, residents access the nearest airports in Agra and Delhi for long-distance travel.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As per the 2011 Census, Hathras district recorded a population of approximately 1.56 million. The population density stood at around 893 persons per square kilometre. Males constituted about 53% of the population, while females made up around 47%. The district’s sex ratio was 870 females per 1,000 males, and the child sex ratio stood at 863.
The literacy rate in Hathras was 70.6%, with male literacy at 80.6% and female literacy at 59.1%. Urban areas showed higher literacy levels compared to rural regions. Hindi served as the primary language, while Urdu appeared in select urban pockets.
Most residents engaged in agriculture and allied activities. A smaller section worked in trade, services, and local industries. Scheduled Castes comprised a significant portion of the population, influencing the district’s social composition and political representation.
Hathras had a predominantly Hindu population, followed by Muslims and small communities of other faiths. The population distribution varied across tehsils, with Hathras and Sikandra Rao showing higher population concentrations.
The district experienced moderate growth in the past decade, driven by rural development and improved connectivity. Government schemes in health, education, and welfare aimed to address demographic challenges and improve overall living standards.
ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of Hathras reflects a blend of functional design and regional styles shaped by its historical and cultural context. Most residential structures in the district use locally available materials like brick, cement, and lime plaster. Houses in rural areas typically feature single-storey layouts with open courtyards, flat roofs, and minimal ornamentation, designed to suit climatic conditions and daily agricultural routines.
Urban zones display a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Older parts of Hathras town include havelis with carved wooden doors, jharokhas, and inner courtyards, though many have undergone modification or disrepair. Public buildings like government offices, schools, and courts follow standard utilitarian designs, focused on space and function over aesthetics.
Religious structures such as temples and mosques exhibit regional architectural elements. Temples often feature shikharas and stone or stucco detailing, while mosques show simple domes and minarets without extensive embellishment.
Markets and commercial buildings in the town center favor reinforced concrete construction with multi-storey shop fronts. Newer colonies and housing developments show increasing use of RCC frames and modern amenities.
Overall, Hathras’ architecture emphasizes utility, with gradual adaptation to contemporary materials and design while retaining traces of its traditional built environment.
CULTURE
The culture of Hathras reflects the traditions and social practices of western Uttar Pradesh. Residents actively participate in religious festivals, folk performances, and community events. Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Navratri, and Janmashtami remain central to local life, while Muslim communities observe Eid and Muharram with equal significance.
Folk music and oral storytelling form key parts of cultural expression. Local artists perform nautanki, kavi sammelans, and bhajans during religious gatherings and village fairs. These performances often blend humor, satire, and devotional themes, attracting large audiences.
Marriage and family functions follow customary rituals rooted in community norms. Attire remains modest and traditional, with men wearing kurta-pajamas or dhotis and women in sarees or salwar-kameez, though western clothing is becoming more common among youth.
Food habits include vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with wheat-based items like roti and puri forming the staple diet. Local sweets and dairy products, especially desi ghee-based preparations, are widely consumed and associated with social events.
The people of Hathras value social bonds, hospitality, and respect for elders. Though urbanization is introducing lifestyle changes, the district retains its rural cultural base, shaped by agricultural life, religious practices, and strong community networks.
TRADITIONAL OUTFIT
People in Hathras continue to wear traditional clothing, especially during festivals, ceremonies, and rural life. Men commonly wear dhoti or kurta-pajama, often paired with a cotton or woolen shawl depending on the season. Older generations still use turbans, especially in villages, as a mark of identity and respect.
Women traditionally wear sarees, usually made of cotton or synthetic blends suited to the climate. In rural areas, many women also wear lehenga-choli with dupatta, particularly during cultural events and religious functions. Married women often wear bangles, bindis, and toe rings as part of customary attire.
While traditional dress remains prominent in daily and ceremonial life, urban areas have seen increased adoption of salwar-kameez and western clothing, especially among younger women. Men in towns and educational settings often wear shirts and trousers for convenience.
The traditional outfits of Hathras reflect both comfort and cultural continuity.
LANGUAGE AND POETRY
Hindi serves as the primary language in Hathras, used in education, administration, and daily communication. The local population speaks in a regional dialect of Braj, which carries influences from Awadhi and Khari Boli. This dialect appears commonly in informal conversations, folk songs, and traditional storytelling.
Urdu also holds a presence, particularly among sections of the Muslim community and in cultural expressions like poetry and religious discourse. Educational institutions and social events in urban areas promote both Hindi and English, especially among the younger generation.
Hathras has a rich tradition of poetry and literary gatherings. The district has hosted numerous kavi sammelans (poetry meets), which bring together local and visiting poets to recite compositions in Hindi, Braj, and Urdu. These events often include humorous, patriotic, and devotional themes.
Folk poetry remains embedded in social life, recited during festivals, weddings, and community gatherings. Women often sing traditional verses known as sohar, kajri, and ghoonghat ke geet during domestic ceremonies.
Through both spoken dialects and written forms, language and poetry in Hathras continue to preserve cultural memory while adapting to modern platforms like school curricula, radio, and social media performances.
CUISINE
The cuisine of Hathras reflects the broader food culture of western Uttar Pradesh, centered around wheat, dairy, and seasonal vegetables. Residents typically consume roti, puri, and paratha made from wheat flour, paired with lentils, curries, and pickles. Common vegetables include potatoes, brinjals, gourds, and peas, cooked with local spices.
Dairy plays a central role in daily meals. People use ghee, curd, and buttermilk regularly. Hathras is also known for its production and consumption of desi ghee, which features in traditional sweets and festive dishes.
Popular snacks include kachori, samosa, and pakora, often served with chutneys. Sweets like peda, jalebi, and imarti are widely available and form part of celebrations and religious offerings.
Tea is the preferred beverage, consumed multiple times a day. Non-vegetarian food appears in specific communities but remains less common overall.
The cuisine remains simple, nutritious, and rooted in agricultural life.
FESTIVALS
Residents of Hathras actively celebrate a wide range of religious and cultural festivals throughout the year. Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, and Janmashtami witness widespread participation across rural and urban areas. Families decorate homes, prepare special meals, and engage in rituals at temples and community spaces.
Muslim communities observe Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharram with equal devotion. These festivals involve prayers, gatherings, and charitable activities. Local fairs and processions often accompany major religious occasions, drawing crowds from nearby villages.
Navratri and Ram Navami involve community worship, fasting, and cultural programs, especially in temples and public grounds. During Holi, people gather for folk songs and color celebrations, reflecting local traditions.
Government offices, schools, and markets observe holidays on key festival days. Markets see increased activity as residents purchase clothes, sweets, and gifts.
Festivals in Hathras reinforce social bonds and reflect the district’s diverse religious fabric.
DANCE, DRAMA & MUSIC
Hathras maintains an active tradition of performing arts, particularly in the forms of folk dance, drama, and music. Local communities organize performances during festivals, fairs, and social gatherings. Traditional dance forms like Rasiya Nritya and Khari Holi feature prominently during Holi and other seasonal events, with participants performing in groups to rhythmic beats and regional lyrics.
Drama holds a special place in Hathras, especially through Nautanki, a popular form of folk theatre. Local troupes perform stories from mythology, history, and social life using exaggerated expressions, dialogues, and live music. These performances often take place in open grounds or temple courtyards and draw large audiences from surrounding areas.
Music in Hathras spans devotional songs, folk melodies, and classical influences. Bhajans, kirtans, and qawwalis are common at religious events. Folk songs such as sohar, kajri, and birha accompany life events like childbirth, weddings, and harvests.
Musical instruments like dholak, harmonium, manjira, and nagada remain widely used in traditional performances. Schools and cultural societies occasionally organize singing and drama competitions to promote interest among younger generations.
Through these art forms, Hathras preserves its cultural identity and encourages community participation in cultural expression.
REGIONAL SPECIALITY
Hathras is known for its production of desi ghee, which serves as the district’s key specialty under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Local producers use traditional methods to prepare ghee from cow and buffalo milk, giving it a distinct aroma and granular texture. This product supports both household consumption and commercial demand in nearby markets.
The district also maintains a strong presence in the manufacture of brass items and small-scale metalwork. Artisans produce utensils, religious items, and decorative pieces using time-tested techniques. These goods cater to both local buyers and wholesale traders.
Hathras hosts several oil mills and small food-processing units that produce mustard oil, pulses, and packaged snacks. These contribute to the local economy and generate employment in semi-urban and rural areas.
Additionally, the region is known for its traditional sweets, particularly peda and imarti, which are widely consumed during festivals and ceremonies.
Agricultural produce, especially wheat and mustard, supports both direct sales and related processing industries. Weekly markets and trade fairs offer platforms for selling these products.
Together, these specialties define Hathras’s economic identity and align with state-led efforts to strengthen local enterprise and promote district-specific products.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Hathras offers a modest quality of life shaped by its rural-urban balance, basic infrastructure, and community-centered lifestyle. Residents access essential services such as water supply, electricity, and sanitation through local bodies and government schemes, though service quality varies across urban and rural areas.
Healthcare facilities include government hospitals, primary health centers, and private clinics, but advanced medical services often require travel to nearby cities like Aligarh or Agra. Educational institutions range from government schools to private colleges, covering basic to undergraduate levels.
Public transport, local markets, and banking services support daily needs. Cultural events, religious festivals, and strong social ties foster community participation.
Pollution levels remain moderate, and crime rates are generally low, contributing to a sense of safety. However, challenges persist in waste management, employment opportunities, and infrastructure in growing areas.
Overall, Hathras provides a stable and functional living environment with gradual improvements through state development programs.
EDUCATION
Hathras provides access to primary, secondary, and higher education through a network of government and private institutions. The Basic Education Department oversees public schools across the district, while private schools operate in both urban and semi-urban areas, offering instruction in Hindi and English.
Intermediate colleges and degree institutions offer courses in arts, science, and commerce. Notable institutions include Janta College and M.L.K. P.G. College, which serve local and nearby students. Vocational training centers and industrial training institutes (ITIs) provide skill-based education for employment.
The literacy rate in Hathras stands at around 70.6%, with a gender gap in literacy levels. Efforts under government schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to improve school enrollment and retention, especially among girls.
Libraries, computer labs, and digital classrooms remain limited but are gradually expanding. The district continues to focus on improving infrastructure and educational outcomes.
MEDIA
Media in Hathras functions through a mix of print, electronic, and digital platforms. Local editions of Hindi newspapers like Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, and Hindustan provide daily news coverage. Regional television channels and All India Radio Aligarh broadcast state and local updates.
FM radio and mobile-based news apps have gained popularity, especially among youth. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp play a growing role in information sharing.
Local journalists report on civic issues, politics, and community events. Media coverage in Hathras continues to shape public opinion and inform daily life.
SPORTS
Sports activities in Hathras revolve around schools, local clubs, and community grounds. Cricket remains the most popular sport, with youth playing in open fields and participating in district-level tournaments. Kabaddi, wrestling, and volleyball also see active participation, especially in rural areas.
Schools and colleges organize annual sports meets to encourage student involvement. The district has limited sports infrastructure, with a few playgrounds and training centers supporting basic facilities.
Government schemes and local initiatives aim to improve access to coaching and equipment. Despite constraints, Hathras continues to promote grassroots sports and physical fitness.
NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS
Hathras has produced several individuals who contributed to literature, public service, and cultural life. Among the most prominent is Kaka Hathrasi (1906–1995), a renowned Hindi satirist and poet known for his humorous poetry and sharp social commentary. His work continues to influence modern Hindi literature and is frequently cited in literary discussions and events.
In the field of public service, the district has seen representation in both the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Indian Parliament. Local politicians have played active roles in shaping regional policies and raising development issues at higher levels of governance.
Hathras has also contributed to the cultural domain through folk artists, musicians, and performers who have kept traditional forms like nautanki, bhajan, and rasiya alive. These individuals often perform during festivals and local events, sustaining the district’s cultural identity.
Educators and social workers from the district have worked to improve literacy and community welfare, particularly in rural areas. Some have received recognition for their contributions under state and central award schemes.
While many of these figures remain less known at the national level, they hold a significant place in the collective memory and social fabric of Hathras.
HISTORICAL PLACES
Hathras holds a modest collection of historical sites that reflect its regional legacy and cultural roots. The most prominent among them is the Hathras Fort, also known as Raja Dayaram Fort. Built in the late 18th century, the fort served as a military and administrative center under Raja Dayaram, a local Jat ruler. It played a key role during the British siege of 1817 and remains a symbol of the district’s resistance against colonial forces.
Several temples in the region, such as the Dauji Maharaj Temple and the Kailadevi Temple, also carry historical significance. These structures feature local architectural styles and continue to attract devotees and visitors during annual festivals.
In addition, old havelis and wells in the urban core of Hathras showcase features of traditional North Indian construction. Some of these buildings, though in disrepair, offer insights into residential and community life during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
While the district does not host large-scale monuments or tourist complexes, its smaller heritage sites hold local historical value. Efforts by local bodies and cultural groups aim to preserve these places through awareness drives and limited restoration work. These sites continue to connect residents with the district’s past.