Who among the following was a contemporary of Buddha, but is not considered the first founder of the religion?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Mahavira Swami .
Mahavira Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. However, he is not considered the founder of Jainism, as the religion is believed to have been established long before him by earlier Tirthankaras, beginning with Rishabhanath (Adinath). Mahavira is regarded as the reformer and propagator of Jainism rather than its founder.
Other Options :
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Bhadrabahu: A later Jain monk, not contemporary to Buddha.
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Rishabhanath: The first Tirthankara and traditional founder of Jainism.
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Arishtanemi: The 22nd Tirthankara, earlier than Mahavira.