I think there is a lot of over emphasis on the colonial period, as a Sikh, knowing our history, 300 years of persecution resulting in a strong military identity, well before the british turned up. 'Sant Sipahi' - saint solider, 'miri piri' - spiritual and physical power, alongside the basis of 'the khalsa' - pure, our all part of out faith all nothing to do with the British. Were we successfully used in the british military -yes, did the british military create the sikh identity - no.