Final answer:
The excerpt on Mauryan society indicates a period of economic prosperity, characterized by a strong military, a comprehensive bureaucracy, and advancements in trade and industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideas discussed in the excerpt above best support the conclusion that Mauryan society was characterized by economic prosperity. The Mauryan Empire, under the leadership of Chandragupta's successors, controlled a vast and prosperous region. This was evident through the Empire's extensive political and military organization, which included a large army and a bureaucracy that managed various industries and infrastructure projects such as weaving, mining, shipbuilding, road construction, and tax collection.
Moreover, during the Mauryan period, there were significant advances in trade and cultural exchanges, as evidenced by improved shipbuilding and textile manufacturing. These advances fostered coastal trade, especially with Southeast Asia. Therefore, attributing the excerpt to economic prosperity reflects the flourishing state of the Mauryan society's economic and military capabilities, rather than cultural decline or political instability.