Was Ravana a brAhmana or kshatriya?

Ravana was born to the sage Vishrava and the Rakshasa princess Kaikesi.  

Many people claim that Ravana was a brAhmin and he is also a learned scholar. He was well-versed in the six shastras and the Vedas.

However, Valmiki Ramayana, which is the authentic text on Ramayana, states that at the time of Ramayana, Varna system, but not Caste system was in force.  And, Sage Valmiki states in Sundara Kanda that Ravana was a kshatriya or person belonging to warrior class, but not a brAhmin.

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I)  After hearing the news of Shri Hanuman eliminating all the raakshasas (demons) sent by him, Ravana sends Aksha, his own son, to fight against Shri Hanuman. Aksha, along with his army elephants and horses, approach Shri Hanuman and incites him to battle.  After a terrific fight, Shri Hanuman smashes Aksha, his chariot, and the horses with blows. 

Filled with anger on his son Aksha having been killed by Shri Hanuman, yet reconciling his mind, Ravana instructs Indrajit (his eldest son) as follows and orders him to proceed to the war with Shri Hanuman.

ममानुरूपम् तपसो बलम् च ते |  पराक्रमश्चास्त्रबलम् च सम्युगे |

न त्वाम् समासाद्य रणावमर्दे |  मनः श्रमं गच्छति निश्चितार्थम् || ५-४८-६

"The strength of your penance as also your prowess and strength in battle resemble mine.  Admitting you in the squeeze of battle, my mind does not get fatigues because of the re-assurance."

न खल्वियम् मतिः श्रेष्ठा यत्त्वाम् सम्प्रेषयाम्यहम् |

इयम् च राजधर्माणाम् क्षत्रियस्य मतिर्मता || ५-४८-१३

"This thought of my sending you is not indeed the best option. But this decision is said to be according to the duties of a king and is the commendation of a warrior-class."

Indrajit wielding a colourful bow rushes in a chariot to face Shri Hanuman in combat. The arrows discharged by Indrajit are made ineffective by Shri Hanuman, through his peculiar skill of manoeuvring them like a wind-god. Realizing that Shri Hanuman cannot be slain, Indrajit merely takes him captive by discharging the unfailing missile presided over by Brahma, the creator. Shri Hanuman falls on the ground motionless. 

The demons tie him with ropes and drag him to the presence of Ravana. Shri Hanuman yields to their operation of capture, even though capable of aborting it, eager as he was to meet Ravana.    

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Please check the meaning the following words in particular, in the above sloka

 राजधर्माणाम् क्षत्रियस्य मतिर्मता

mataa = is said to be;

raajadharmaaNaam = the duties of a king; 

matiH = and is the commendation; 

kSatriyasya = of a warrior-class

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Ravana himself stated that he belongs to the warrior’s clan - kSatriyasya.  Hence, Ravana is not a brAhmin.

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II)  While consoling Vibhishana, after the death of his brother Ravana, Shri Rama says that Ravana did his duty as a Kshatriya.

नैवं विनष्टाः शोच्यन्ते क्षत्रधर्मव्यवस्थिताः |
वृद्धिमाशंसमाना ये निपतन्ति रणाजिरे || ६-१०९-१६

"There is no occasion to grieve for him having fallen into death in the battle-field and by whom the development of his country was wished for, while remaining steadfast in the duty of Kshatriya the warrior."

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Hence, Ravana was a kshatriya, but not a brahmin.