The Jungle Book, written by Rudyard Kipling, was published in 1894, while Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first appeared in 1912. Therefore, The Jungle Book came first.
To understand the context better, it’s interesting to note that both stories feature strong themes of nature and the relationship between humans and the wild. Kipling’s work often reflects on the British colonial experience and the idea of belonging, whereas Burroughs’ tale focuses on the adventure and identity of a man raised by apes in the African jungle. Each story has its unique place in literature and has influenced many adaptations in film and other media.