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From 1904-1929 the Royal Asiatic Society awarded a Gold Medal to a schoolboy writing on a chosen essay title. However, as entrants dwindled and few schools seemed interested in teaching Indian history, it was decided that the competition should be changed to one for undergraduate students. The change was finalised on 15th December 1931. Regulations for the University Prize Essay Fund were drawn up in 1932 and the first prize was awarded in 1933. In 1939, Professor Perceval Yetts designed a certificate to be presented with the prize (an example of this can be found in these papers). The prize was initially awarded annually but then became biennial. The prize money also increased at various intervals.
The records of the Universities Prize Essay cover the conversion from the Public School Medal to the Universities Prize Essay Fund, governance of the award and the conferment of the Honour in subsequent years. They include Rules, correspondence, and winning essays. However there are not records for all instances of the presentation of the award. Researchers are advised to also examine the Council Minutes and the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (both held in the RAS Collections) when researching concerning the Universities Prize Essay and its recipients.

Two printed sets of rules for the Universities Prize Essay Fund for the Royal Asiatic Society at 74 Grosvenor Street. A further printed set of rules for the Royal Asiatic Society at 56 Queen Anne Street. Also a photocopy of this latter set, stamped with a Charity Commission receipt stamp for 12 March 1970.

This sub-series contains two possible specimens for the Prize Fund diploma and 2 copies of the certificate designed in 1939 by Professor Perceval Yetts.

Two specimen diplomas for the Universities Prize Essay Fund for 1933. Tracing paper mounted on cards with additional notes concerning size and price for obtaining in vellum.

Printed prize certificate for the Universities Prize Essay as designed by Professor Perceval Yetts in 1939 (see article RAS UPE/1/5). Two copies.

Letter from Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to John Pinches, Medallist, in which he writes that the Society require the Gold Medal for Oriental Research and that the Public School Medal has been changed to the Universities Prize Essay Fund which will be presented towards the end of the year.Typed, dated 15 February 1932.

Letter from Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to A.H. Wilson to ask him to look over the draft rules that have been created by the President and approved by the Council. Typed, dated 17 February 1932.

Letter from A.H. Wilson, Solicitor, to Colonel Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to inform him that the scheme and rules seem to be in accordance with the modified Declaration of Trust. He queries as to whether a medal will still be awarded. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 25 February 1932.

Letter from Col Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to Secretary, Universities Bureau of the British Empire, to inform him of the title for the forthcoming Universities Prize Essay Competition. Typed, dated 13 January 1933.

Letter from Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to the University. Sample letter to universities to enclose details of the Universities Prize Essay Fund and ask whether their University might be interested in submitting for the Competition. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 30 January 1933.