During the turbulent 18th century, with the gradual collapse of the Mughal Empire and constant incursions by Afghan invaders into India, Sikhs became the de facto defenders of Punjab. During this period, Sikhs would congregate twice a year on Vaisakhi and Diwali at the Harminder Sahib. There, they would make important military and leadership decisions to help the Panth survive these difficult times. This system of collective governance allowed Sikhs to survive the tumultuous 18th century which included the greater and lesser Gulugara (Sikh Holocausts). This consensus based approach to leadership lasted throughout the Sikh Misl period and allowed them to become a collective force and the unquestioned rulers of the Punjab.
