Drought is a serious global problem and a state of affairs since ancient times. Until today, the world has to face the problem of drought. Famine is a condition resulting from prolonged acute shortage of total food grains resulting in widespread starvation, impoverishment and emaciation of the majority of the population, resulting in a large increase in population mortality. Various types of causes of droughts in the Indian subcontinent include unreliable rainfall, deforestation, floods, which have adverse effects on agriculture. In ancient and medieval times, Indian society was completely dependent on agriculture like any other society. During this period, peoples life was disrupted due to drought. But due to the generous policy of the ruler, relief work was undertaken on occasion. During the rule of the British East India Company, there were many famines in different regions of India. They include famines in Bengal in 1769-70, famine in Madras province in 1791-92, …etc. The company helped meagerly and belatedly. Due to this, there was a terrible loss of life and financial loss. In 1858, the administration of India was transferred from the Company to the British Crown. During this period, for the first time, the British government established drought relief committees from time to time in order to alleviate droughts in India such as Smith Committee (1860-61), Campbell Commission (1866), Strachey Commission (1880), Lyall Commission (1896), McDonnell Commission (1900). Through these committees efforts were made to get information about drought and prevent drought.