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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.

Letter from D.P. Costello to Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to supplement the information sent in the previous letter (RAS UPE/6/2/9). Handwritten, 1 side, dated 6 December 1937.

Letter from D.P. Costello to Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, to give details of his education. Handwritten, 1 side, dated 6 December 1937.

Letter from D.P. Costello to Col. Hoysted, RAS Secretary, in which he informs Hoysted that he had sent a previous letter which must have gone astray and that he would be happy to attend the General Meeting. Handwritten, 1 side, dated 24 November 1937.

The first prize essay - "The relations between the Greeks and the East" by D.P. Costello. Typed, 23 sides, undated. With identifying label.

This sub-series contains correspondence with Desmond Patrick Costello, the prize winner; John Bowman, the second prize winner, and their respective universities.

The series contains administrative material, correspondence with and concerning the prize winners, a copy of the first prize essay, and newspaper cuttings.