This paper analyses the emerging trends in twenty eight major states in India in respect of few key parameters which have an intrinsic bearing on social and economic development and establishes the economic growth (EG) - human development (HD) nexus in the post economic reforms era (1990s to 2010s). Data for the period 1990 to 2011/12 is used to analyse the relative performance of Indian states on human development and growth indicators and determine if inter-state disparity has increased or decreased over time. The two way relationship between EG and HD is empirically estimated using cross section pooled data. Further, states are classified into four different categories of growth and development: (i) vicious cycle (low EG - low HD), (ii) virtuous cycle (high EG - high HD), (iii) lopsided-EG (high EG - low HD) and (iv) lopsided-HD (low EG - high HD), for the years 1993, 1999-2000 and 2011-12. The pattern of transition of states across different categories over the two decades is traced. Such categorization and the shifts therein have obvious policy implications. The paper highlights the need for more focused regional planning and a simultaneous policy thrust on EG and HD to enable states escape the vicious cycle of low growth and development.