Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating in ancient India. According to Jain tradition, Jainism has no single founder; it is an eternal religion (Sanatan Dharma) that has existed since time immemorial. It is revealed anew in every time cycle by the Tirthankaras, who are enlightened spiritual teachers.

The most recent and 24th Tirthankara is Lord Mahavira (599–527 BCE), who revitalized and reorganized the Jain sangha (community) and teachings for the current age. Before Mahavira, Lord Parshvanatha (the 23rd Tirthankara) and 22 other Tirthankaras propagated the path of liberation.

Jainism teaches the path to liberation through non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). These principles form the core of Jain philosophy and practice.

So, Jainism started as an eternal tradition, but its historical form and community were most significantly shaped by Lord Mahavira in the 6th century BCE.