Raakshas word can be translated into English as demon, but otherwise in it original language, Sanskrit and Hindi, it has several meanings.

(1) Name of a non-Aaryan tribe of India and Shree Lankaa. The non-Aaryan tribes were called Daas (slaves) by the Aarya. Raakshas tribe is mentioned in Rig Ved (1-35-10). Later on they came to be called Raakshas. The word Raakshas meant an evil person due to the practices pf sorcery prevalent among this tribe, for the same reason they were called Yaatudhaan also. At one time they ruled Kaashee and had several kingdoms in Southern India. They ruled Shree Lankaa also. It is recorded that Aarya sometimes married Raakshas tribe also. Vishravaa Rishi married four women - three of them were from Raakshas tribe. One of them, Kaikasee bore four children to him - Raavan, Kumbhkarn, Vibheeshan and Shoorpanakhaa. Raakshas looked like normal human beings, while Pauraanik stories depict them otherwise.

(2) Raakshas as Rakshak (protector) - Raavan was called Raakshas as his declared aim was to protect (Rakshaa) the world. There is a 4 volume novel 'Vayam Rakshamah' (= we protect) in Hindi by Aachaarya Chatursen Shaastree, written about 70 years ago. There was an old Sanskrit drama by Vishaakh Datt, called 'Mudraa Raakshas' as it describes the misuse of Mudraa (Muthu in Tamil, seal) of Raakshas (chief of Police) in Nand kingdom. Police chief was called Raakshas as his duty was to protect (Rakshaa) the people. However, persons in charge of protection, took protection money in alliance with local goons-so Raakshas word is used in bad meaning. Similarly Indra was called Achyut-chyut, ie he could defeat anybody who was so far undefeated. Thus king in Aasaam (Indra was Lok Paal of the East direction) was called Chutiya (= chyut). This also has become an abuse in many Indian languages and even in old Hebrew Chutzpah (translated in dictionary as unabashed audacity). Power corrupts and causes atrocity, hence change of meaning.