This paper describes about the Jain manuscript Illustration and characteristics of the Jain paintings from 12th century to 16th century from Palm leaves to cloth period. Further it is discussed the historical background to evolution to the mature stage that occupied a unique chapter in Indian miniature painting tradition. Due to the change of formats such as paper and cloth one can notice gradual changes in terms of use of style, colours, and compositions. The early period of paintings is limited to Jain Thirthankaras only. Later jain themes Kalpasuthra and Kalakacharyakatha were the prominent themes , background remains always suggestive mode rather than in details. Jain painters adopted contemporary textile designs into their work. It has unique features like swollen chest and protruding eye and pointed chin and angularity in human figures with certain mudras. Gradually in the cloth period the complexity in composition and number of images and modulations in colours and adding new colours with dazzling border decorations.