It is impossible to not notice any similarities between the religions of Jainism and Sikhism, but it appears the best way to tackle this task is first to list a few similarities and then to list the differences. One of the major similarities is the belief in nonviolence (ahimsa), a belief taken to the utmost extreme by the Jain monks which brush the ground careful before they sit -- to ensure that no animal is crushed. This idea of nonviolence is the foundation of the Jainism ethics and one of the things that comes to mind when most think of the Jain religion. This particular similarity is what I am going to focus on, as this similarity is only valid based on the time that you compare these religions.
It appears that the idea of nonviolence was impossible to retain for some of the rather harsh times the Sikhs had to endure. The Sikhs held this idea to heart until the imprisonment and decapitation of the ninth guru Tegh Bahadur by the Muslim emperor Aurangzeb, who saw the Sikh religion as a potential threat to his control. After the murder of the ninth guru Sikhism took a drastic turn, which started with the tenth guru Gobind Rai. The first major change was introduced when the tenth guru created the Khalsa, which is a special military order he used to protect the people and interests of the Sikhs. Any member of the Khalsa is required to wear 5 pieces of clothing, which they belief promote strength and self identity.
My general ideals are not reflected in either of these religions, but if I had to choose one I would choose Jainism, for its devotion to non-violence and its ideas of self exploration.
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