Short answer:

• Historically (in textual terms), the oldest Hindu scriptures (the Rig Veda) are older than the life of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. So, from a historical point of view, Hinduism’s textual tradition is older.
• In Jain tradition, Jainism is considered an eternal dharma that existed beyond time, with Mahavira (c. 599–527 BCE) as a great proponent. Jainism sees its path as a separate, ancient creed that has always been present alongside other dharmas.

Concrete dates to keep in mind:

• Rig Veda composed around 1500–1200 BCE (oldest Hindu scriptures).
• Mahavira’s life around 599–527 BCE (Jain tradition).
• Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, is placed earlier in Jain chronology, often around the 7th–6th century BCE, but exact dating varies.

Bottom line for a Jain perspective:

• Hinduism and Jainism both trace back to very ancient India, but the recorded, scriptural Hindu tradition is older than Mahavira’s lifetime. Jainism, however, is an ancient path in its own right and is considered eternal within Jain Dharma.