In Jainism, the question of “which is older” versus “Sanatan Dharma” (eternal dharma) isn’t a simple dating question.

• Jainism is an ancient dharma. It is traditionally dated to have existed long before many modern historical records, with the last Tirthankara Mahavira (the 24th) commonly placed in the 6th century BCE. However, Jains believe that the teachings of the Tirthankaras are eternal and have always existed in some form.

• Sanatan Dharma is a term used in Hindu tradition to describe the eternal, universal law of righteousness. It is not a single historical period but an claim of perennial, timeless dharma.

So, Jainism is very ancient and is often viewed as coeval with other ancient dharmic traditions. In Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, the core claim remains that Jain teachings are eternal and part of the broader tapestry of eternal dharmas, while dating the human-form preaching to ancient times.

If you’d like, I can share a simple summary of how historians and Jain sources describe the timeline, or point to traditional dates given by Digambar and Shwetambar scholars.