Interesting stuff, and an unbelievable Last Stand. Weird I haven't heard about it before. Gurmukh Singh, the Last Sikh Standing ended up killing 20 Afghans, with the enemy having to set fire to the Fort in order to kill him. As he was dying he was heard yelling the Sikh battle-cry " Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal " ( Victory belongs to those who recite the name of God with a true heart ).
I have learnt some things about Sikhs from Sikh friends at school and at work, and have done a bit of internet research on them as well. And from what I've learnt, it seems like they they were pretty much the Apex warriors in India. Usually being physically superior to other Indian Castes. Not just in strength ( they're also on average taller than most other Indians as well ), but also in their courage and determination.
I know that the Indian people are broken up into a caste system, with Sikhs playing the primary protective role for the rest of the Indian Castes ( and not just as warriors, but Elite warriors ). The British saw how effective Sikh warriors were in combat when they invaded India in the 17th Century. And they played an integral role when incorporated into the new British/Indian Army Corps from that point on, up until India's Independence in 1947. Without their help in Africa, The Middle East and Asia, I doubt that the British would of been successful in maintaining their Colonies in the East as long as they did. Even with their unmatched Naval Superiority.
I also know that the name Singh, which is commonly used as a title for Sikhs ( usually a Middle or Surname ), is roughly translated from Sanskrit as meaning " Lion ". An animal which is usually associated with warriors ( like for example the English King " Richard The Lionheart " ).