The Jainas believe that Jainism is the outcome of the teachings of twenty four Tirthankaras. In the light of this statement which one among the following is correct of Vardhamana Mahavira ?

According to Jaina tradition, Vardhamana Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of the current time cycle [t1][t8]. He is not considered the founder of Jainism; rather, the religion's basic philosophy existed long before his birth [c2]. The tradition identifies Rishabha (or Rishabhanatha) as the first Tirthankara and the original founder of the sect [c1][t6]. Mahavira is viewed as a reformer and great preacher who reorganized the existing religious order into a fourfold sangha of monastics and lay followers [c1][t10]. While the first twenty-two Tirthankaras are often regarded as legendary, the twenty-third, Parshvanatha, is recognized as a historical figure who preceded Mahavira by approximately 250 years [t1][t10]. Thus, Mahavira's role was to revitalize and propagate the eternal dharma rather than originate a new faith [t2][t4].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > 3.5 Jainism > p. 39
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 3.Beyond Worldly Pleasures The Message of Mahavira > p. 88
3. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankara