Did Mahavira 'start' Jainism?

No, Jains believe their religion is eternal; Mahavira was the final reformer and teacher who re-established the core tenets for the present era.

Jainism History

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: Who was the last one in the order of Jain Tirthankaras?

Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He is credited with providing the final structure to Jain philosophy and ethics in the 6th century BCE.

Exam Year

1993

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_PHI_1993_43 Ref: Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings