Introduction:
The organisation of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century played a crucial role in regional state-building in Punjab. This development paved the way for the emergence of the Sikh Empire in the 18th century under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Sikhs, under the guidance of their Gurus, established a strong socio-political structure that helped in the consolidation of power and territorial expansion in the region.

Key Points:

1. Foundation of Sikhism: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev in the 15th century. He preached equality, social justice, and the rejection of caste-based discrimination. The Sikh community grew under the guidance of ten successive Gurus who played significant roles in shaping its identity and values.

2. Military and Political Organization: The Sikhs faced persecution and oppression from the Mughal Empire, which led to the militarization of their community. They formed military bands, known as jathas, for self-defense and protection of their faith. These jathas were organized into larger groups called misls, which were led by influential leaders known as sardars.

3. Panths and Khalsa: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, further strengthened the Sikh community by establishing the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa was a brotherhood of initiated Sikhs who were committed to upholding the values of Sikhism. This created a sense of unity and identity among the Sikhs, forming the basis for their political organization.

4. Resistance against Mughal Rule: The Sikhs actively resisted Mughal rule and launched numerous guerilla attacks on Mughal officials and armies. They established their own centers of power and began to control territories in Punjab. The Sikhs were able to exploit the weakness of the declining Mughal Empire and gradually expanded their influence.

5. Sikh Confederacy: The misls gradually came together under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who unified the Sikh territories and established a strong central authority. He modernized the Sikh army, introduced administrative reforms, and extended the Sikh Empire's control over a vast region, including parts of present-day Punjab, Pakistan, and Kashmir.

6. Regional State-Building: The organization of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century laid the foundations for regional state-building in Punjab. The Sikhs created a strong military force, established their own administrative systems, and developed a sense of collective identity. They successfully challenged the authority of the Mughals and other regional powers, ultimately leading to the emergence of the Sikh Empire.

Conclusion:
The organization of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century was a significant development that contributed to regional state-building in Punjab. Through their military prowess, social unity, and resistance against Mughal rule, the Sikhs were able to establish their own power centers and eventually form the Sikh Empire. This historical process highlights the importance of community organization and collective action in shaping the political landscape of a region.