The catalytic performance of a Pd nanocatalyst derived from bio rice husk derived graphitic like carbon and palladium chloride has been investigated for the first time in the phosphine free carbonylative Suzuki- Miyaura cross coupling of iodobenzene and phenyl boronic acid in mild reaction conditions. The present catalytic system exhibited remarkable activity and selectivity in the synthesis of biaryl ketones. The high activity, selectivity and stability of this catalyst may be due to firm attachment of palladium nanoparticles to zigzag porous networked carbon support, confinement effect in porous system and nanoscale palladium particles.