Both Digambar and Shwetambar are major sects within Jainism, but neither is the original form of Jainism. Jainism itself is much older than these sects. The division into Digambar ("sky-clad") and Shwetambar ("white-clad") sects occurred several centuries after the time of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, around the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

Both sects trace their origin to the teachings of Mahavira, but due to differences in interpretation and practice—especially regarding ascetic conduct and monastic dress—the two traditions emerged. Neither sect is considered "older" than the other; rather, they represent parallel developments from the original Jain community. The split is generally believed to have occurred during or after a famine in Magadha, when the Jain community was divided on issues of conduct and tradition.

Therefore, Jainism as a whole is older than either the Digambar or Shwetambar sect, and both sects originated around the same period.