Historical documents influence the understanding of contemporary governance in UPSC by providing context and foundational insights into political systems and ideologies. Analyzing documents such as constitutional texts, treaties, and landmark laws reveals the evolution of governance practices. They assist candidates in understanding the rationale behind current policies and administrative structures. Furthermore, studying past governance models helps identify successes and failures, which can inform future policymaking. Engaging with these documents fosters critical analysis skills, enabling candidates to articulate well-rounded perspectives on contemporary governance issues in the examination.