Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world and has significantly influenced subsequent religions. Furthermore, its extensive literature has greatly contributed to the development of modern Indian literary languages. In India's economic life, Jains still hold a prominent position today. Vardhamana Kasyapa Nayaputra, known as Mahavira ("great hero"), is regarded as the historical founder of the Jain religion. He was a contemporary of the Buddha and is revered as the last of the twenty-four Jinas, who appear as "victors" over the bonds of karma to proclaim eternal truth in the world as Tirthankara ("ford-maker"). Characterized by a pessimistic attitude toward the material world, Jainism fundamentally differs from early Buddhism through its belief in the sentience of all organic matter.