Hathras is the chief city of the Mahamaya Nagar (also called Hathras) district of the Uttar Pradesh state, India.

The Mahamaya Nagar district was created in 1997 by incorporating parts of the Aligarh, Mathura and Agra districts. It was given the alternative name Hathras district shortly after.

Hathras lies within the Brij region, associated with the epic Mahabharata and Hindu mythology. The main languages are Hindi and the dialect Brijbhasha.

Hathras was an industrial hub during the British Raj: cotton milling, knives, asafoetida and Desi Ghee products were the main industries. The latter two continue to be made, and Hathras is now also notable for carpets and brass and silver handicraft items.

Famous residents have included the popular Hindi poet, musician and painter Kaka Hathrasi.