Final answer:
The founder of Jainism is traditionally identified as Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, who is considered the last Tirthankara of Jainism. Though Jains believe in an eternal tradition, Mahavira's teachings in the 6th century BCE reorganized and revitalized the religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founder of Jainism is traditionally identified as Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, who is considered the last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jain tradition.
However, Jains believe that their religion is eternal, and thus has no beginning or single founder. The teachings of Jainism date back to the 9th century BCE, but Mahavira's contribution in the 6th century BCE revitalized and reorganized the faith, establishing the core principles that exist today.
Jainism emphasizes ahimsa (non-violence), asceticism, karma, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, with the ultimate goal being liberation from this cycle.