Prokash Karmakar was born in 1933 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Prokash’s father was an artist and taught at the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata. So, Prokash was influenced by art right in his childhood years.

Prokash took admission in the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata. However, he had to leave the course due to paucity of finances at home. Then, he was taught by his father’s pupil, Kamalaranjan Thakur. Later, he learnt more about art and techniques from Nirode Mazumdar.

Prokash exhibited his paintings for the first time in 1959 on the railings of the Indian Museum, Kolkata. In 1968, the Lalit Kala Academy gave him the National Award. His work is part of art collections across the globe. The artist passed away in 2014.