Baji Rao I contributed in two major ways in firming the role of Marathas. Firstly he recognized that offense was the best defense against the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah who ascended the throne in 1719. The new Emperor was known as Rangeela for his love of worldly pleasures and was not very powerful militarily throughout his rein till 1748. Secondly Baji Rao I ensured that Marathas assert their freedom and the rights to levy tax on Mughal provinces as per the arrangements of 1714. G.S.Chhabra in his book Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-1: 1707-1803), quotes Baji Rao I’s conversation with Chhatrapati Shahuji: “Strike, strike at the trunk and the branches will fall off themselves. Listen but to my counsel, and I shall plant the Maratha banner on the walls of Attock”.