To majority of Hindus and those who read Hindu scriptures and stories, Asuras and Rakshasas mean the same – they are demons. But several scholars are of the opinion that an Asura and a Rakshasa are not the same. They are different. The primary difference is that Asuras reside in the netherworld or underground and Rakshasas live on the earth. Asuras are the enemies of Devas or demigods and Rakshasa are the enemies of human beings and saints. Some scholars are also of the view that Rakshasas were the protectors of the forest and came into conflict with human beings who wanted to clear forest, cut trees and wanted to exploit the nature. It must also be noted that majority of the episodes of battle between Rakshasas and human beings take place in forest. It looks like the humans were invading their space and it is when they retaliate. Rakshasas are chiefly mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata like Tadaka, Surpanaka, Kumbhakarna, Hidimba, Ghatotkacha, Baka et