In Jain Dharma, “Chakravarti” (or Chakravartin) means sarvabhaum samrat – a universal emperor.

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1. Who is a Chakravarti in Jainism?

• A Chakravarti is the highest worldly king among humans.
• He rules all six divisions (khandas) of Bharat Kshetra in the middle world (Madhya‑loka).
• He is one of the 63 Śalākā‑puruṣ (great illustrious beings).

Both Digambar and Shvetambar agree on this basic definition.

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2. Specialities / Characteristics of a Chakravarti

In simple points:

1. Universal rule

- Conquers and rules the entire human world area meant for a Chakravarti (six divisions of Bharat‑kshetra).

1. Great Punya (merit)

- Becomes Chakravarti due to very high punya from past lives, especially dān, śīl (good conduct), and sevā of sādhus.

1. Ratna (special “jewels”)

- He possesses Saptaratna / Navaratna / 14 Ratna (different texts mention 7, 9 or 14 “jewels”). - Always included is the Chakra‑ratna – a divine disc‑weapon that shows his universal sovereignty. - Other “jewels” include: queen, vast armies (elephants, horses, chariots), immense wealth, ministers, son, etc.

1. Lakṣaṇa – great bodily marks

- Has the 32 major marks of an ideal man and many minor auspicious signs. - Described as having golden complexion and very attractive form.

1. Dreams of the mother

- At his conception, his mother sees special auspicious dreams (similar idea as for Tirthankars, though the exact sequence differs).

1. Spiritual role

- Though a worldly ruler, his life‑story is told in Jain scriptures to show the limits of worldly glory and to inspire vairāgya (detachment). - Some Chakravartis (like Śānti, Kunthu, Ara) later renounce and become Tirthankars.

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3. The 12 Chakravartis of the present Avasarpiṇī (descending cycle)

Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions give essentially the same list (spelling may differ):

1. Bharat (Bharata) Chakravarti – son of Bhagwān Ṛṣabhdeva (Ādināth).
2. Sagar (Sagara)
3. Maghavan / Maghava
4. Sanatkumār
5. Śāntināth – also the 16th Tirthankar
6. Kunthunāth – also the 17th Tirthankar
7. Aranāth (Ara) – also the 18th Tirthankar
8. Subhūm / Subhauma
9. Padma / Mahāpadma
10. Hariṣeṇ (Harishena)
11. Jayasen / Jayasena
12. Brahmadatt / Brahmadatta

So, 12 Chakravartis have already appeared in this current half‑cycle of time.

You can see this list explained simply here

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4. “Latest” Chakravarti – what does it mean?

Your question about the “latest Chakravarti” can be understood in two ways:

(a) Latest in order (last of the 12 in this Avasarpiṇī)

• In the sequence of 12, the last (12th) Chakravarti of the present descending time‑cycle is

• He is therefore the “latest” Chakravarti in this cosmic list – after him no new Chakravarti arises in the remaining eras of this Avasarpiṇī.

Details in short:

• Brahmadatta was a universal emperor like the others,
• possessed the ratna (jewels), great armies, and immense wealth,
• and his life, like other Chakravartis, is used in Jain kathā to show how even the greatest worldly power is temporary, and how true śrey (highest good) lies only in dharma and mokṣa.

(b) Latest in our present time (right now, 5th āra)

From the view of our present era:

• We are in the 5th āra of Avasarpiṇī (dukhma‑dukhma kāl).
• All Tirthankars and Chakravartis have already come and gone long, long ago.
• Now and in the remaining Avasarpiṇī, no new Chakravarti will appear.
• New Chakravartis (again 12) will only appear in the next Utsarpiṇī (ascending) cycle, far in the future.

This is explained here in simple language

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Summary

• Chakravarti = universal emperor, the highest worldly king, one of the 63 Śalākā‑puruṣ.
• Speciality: rules all six parts of Bharat‑kshetra, has divine “jewels”, huge armies, great punya, and is used as an example to teach the futility of attachment to power and possessions.
• In this present descending half‑cycle, there are 12 Chakravartis, the last and “latest in order” being Brahmadatta.
• In our current era, no Chakravarti exists now, and none will arise until the future ascending (Utsarpiṇī) cycle begins.