He was one of pioneer leaders of the national movement
He became the first Indian to be appointed as a permanent lawyer.
In 1883 he defended Surendranath Banerjee in famous Contempt of Court Case in the Calcutta high court.
He presided over the first session of the Indian National congress held at Bombay in 1885.
And 2ndtime he presided over the INC at Allahabad in 1892.
He was made general secretary of London Indian Society (1865).
He contested UK general election in 1892 but lost as a Liberal Party candidate.
In 1893, He, Naoroji and badruddin tyabji founded the parliamentary committee in England.