Answer

In Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is considered older than Buddhism, because Jainism is seen as eternal and beginningless. Historically, Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha were near-contemporaries, but Mahavira is traditionally regarded as slightly earlier.

Explanation

• Jain Dharma is not considered a religion that started at one single time; it is viewed as an ancient, eternal spiritual path.
• Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankar of the present time cycle.
• Buddhism began with Lord Buddha’s teachings.

So if you mean:

• Which tradition is older? → Jainism
• Which founder came first historically? → Traditionally, Mahavira came before Buddha by a few years

Spiritual Understanding

From the Jain point of view, truth and the path of liberation are not new inventions. They are eternal. That is why Jain Dharma is understood as ancient beyond a single historical beginning.

Takeaway

Jainism came first in the spiritual sense, and Mahavira is traditionally considered earlier than Buddha in historical time.