You can't hide from the fact that during the havoc of the 1700s, Sikhs did act VERY pragmatically to counteract threats to their existence. By this I mean they organised themselves dynamically. Had no problem in identifying who the enemy was. Made and broke alliances as best suited the situation. Carefully selected which battles to take part in and which not, strategically allowing one enemy party to weaken/destroy another enemy. Were harsh and severe when required. All this led to their emerging as leaders in the power vacuum that followed all the invasions that took place. Here one of the Sikh leaders emerged as a powerhouse and established the security and prosperity of the region, albeit ruthlessly - a prosperity which may well have continued to this day had the Anglos not turned up and attacked and robbed the place blind.
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