The correct answer is: b) 18th century.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the founder of the Sikh Empire in the 18th century. He was born in 1780 and died in 1839. He was a great military leader and expanded the Sikh Empire to include much of the Punjab region. He was also a patron of the arts and architecture.
The 18th century was a time of great upheaval in India. The Mughal Empire was in decline and many smaller kingdoms were vying for power. Ranjit Singh was able to take advantage of this situation and establish the Sikh Empire. He was a strong and charismatic leader and he was able to unite the Sikhs under his rule.
The Sikh Empire was a powerful force in India for many years. It was a time of great prosperity and cultural development. However, the empire began to decline after Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839. It was eventually conquered by the British in the 19th century.
The other options are incorrect. The 17th century was a time of Mughal rule in India. The 20th century was a time of British rule in India.