In the Indian context, the term "Hindu rate of growth" is mainly associated with low growth of which of the following economic indicators?

Introduction / Context:
The term "Hindu rate of growth" was coined by some economists to describe the slow economic growth experienced by India during the first few decades after independence. It refers to a period of low and relatively stable growth that was seen as being significantly below the potential of the Indian economy. This question asks which economic indicator is associated with this expression in the Indian context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the phrase "Hindu rate of growth" used in economic literature.
• Options include birth rate, population growth, per capita income, national income or GDP, and food grain production.
• We assume familiarity with historical economic performance of India before economic reforms.
• The task is to identify which indicator was growing slowly at about three to four percent per year.

Concept / Approach:
The "Hindu rate of growth" describes the low annual growth rate of India's national income or gross domestic product (GDP) before the economic liberalisation reforms of the 1990s. The term highlights that overall output was growing at a modest rate of around three to four percent per year for a long period. While per capita income also grew slowly, the expression is tied most directly to aggregate GDP or national income figures. Therefore, the correct conceptual association is with growth of national income or GDP.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the phrase was used to criticise the slow economic growth of India before liberalisation.Step 2: Recognise that the main statistic discussed in this context is the annual growth rate of national income or GDP.Step 3: Note that India's GDP growth was roughly three to four percent per year during that era, which many economists considered unsatisfactory.Step 4: Compare this with the options provided and identify which indicator aligns with the description.Step 5: Select national income or GDP as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
In economic history discussions and standard textbooks, the "Hindu rate of growth" is explicitly defined as the long term trend of low GDP growth in India, prior to higher growth rates seen after reforms. The term is used in contrast to the faster growth achieved later, showing that the earlier period was one of slow expansion in national output. This repeated emphasis confirms the link with GDP or national income rather than demographic indicators.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Birth rate and population growth are demographic indicators and are not directly described by the term "Hindu rate of growth." In fact, India's population was growing rapidly during that period, which is the opposite of a slow growth story. Per capita income did grow slowly, but the expression is anchored primarily in overall GDP growth. Food grain production had its own growth trends but is not the main statistic referenced by this phrase. Hence, those options do not correctly capture the meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates mistakenly connect the phrase with population growth because it includes the word "rate" and India had high population growth. Others assume it refers to per capita income because that is a common welfare indicator. To avoid confusion, it is important to remember that the phrase originated in the context of macroeconomic output growth and was used to criticise the slow expansion of GDP in the pre reform era.

Final Answer:
National income or GDP is the economic indicator whose low growth is described by the term "Hindu rate of growth."