Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the study of the structure of matter and the physicochemical problems of the crystalline states of matter. However, in the case of cubic crystals, because of the symmetry properties, most and in some cases all the fundamental modes of vibration are inactive in the Raman effect. But they can manifest themselves as overtones and combinations in the second order Raman effect. Being a comparatively feeble phenomenon the second order Raman effect is more difficult to record and to interpret. In spite of these limitations, considerable progress has been made in the study of the Raman spectra of cubic single crystals. In this chapter, it is proposed to give a historical review of studies of alkali halide crystals with special reference to the interpretation of experimental Raman data on the basis of lattice dynamics.