Answer

Jain Dharma is considered anādi — meaning beginningless — according to Jain tradition.

It was not founded by one person at a particular time. Jain Dharma teaches that truth is eternal, and in every time cycle, Tirthankars revive and teach the same eternal path of liberation.

Explanation

In the present time cycle, the most recent Tirthankar was:

• Bhagwan Mahavir — the 24th Tirthankar
• He lived over 2,500 years ago
• He did not “start” Jain Dharma, but revived and taught the eternal Jain path

Before Bhagwan Mahavir, the 23rd Tirthankar was:

• Bhagwan Parshvanath

And the 1st Tirthankar of this time cycle was:

• Bhagwan Rishabhdev / Adinath

Takeaway

Jain Dharma is not considered newly created. In Jain belief, it is an eternal dharma, repeatedly taught by Tirthankars for the liberation of souls.