Step 1: Understanding the original sentence.
The sentence states that Samudragupta was one of the greatest Indian kings.
This means that only a small number of kings were equal to him in greatness.
Step 2: Applying the instruction.
The sentence must end with Samudragupta.
We need to rewrite the sentence while preserving its original meaning and following the instruction.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(A) changes the degree of comparison and meaning.
(B) gives the opposite meaning.
(C) correctly expresses the same idea using the structure Very few...were as great as Samudragupta, and ends with Samudragupta.
(D) is grammatically incorrect.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct rewritten sentence is option (C).