To accurately determine the conclusion that can be drawn from the map, it would be essential to clarify what specific details or features the map presents regarding the Gupta Empire. However, based on general historical knowledge:
a. If the map shows territorial expansion, military campaigns, or influence over various regions, this might support the notion of military force and political ideals contributing to expansion.
b. If the map indicates a lack of interaction or engagement with neighboring regions, it might imply isolation.
c. If the map highlights dramatic territorial changes leading to reduced land or fragmentation by the fifth century, it could suggest rapid expansion causing internal or external pressures that led to collapse.
d. If the map illustrates trade routes, alliances, or peaceful neighborly interactions, it would support the idea of peaceful relations.
Without the specifics of the map, the most likely conclusion, given historical context, is a. The Gupta Empire expanded through military force and political ideals, as the Gupta Empire is known for its territorial expansion through conquests and statecraft during its peak.