In Hindu mythology, the ten-headed demon king defeated by Rama is Ravana.
Ravana is the principal antagonist of the Ramayana, one of South Asia’s foundational epics. He is traditionally portrayed as the rakshasa king of Lanka, who abducts Sita, Rama’s wife, and carries her to his island kingdom. Rama eventually invades Lanka with help from the vanara king Sugriva, Hanuman, and their army, and kills Ravana in battle.
The ten heads are central to Ravana’s iconography, though their meanings differ across interpretations. They can represent vast learning and power as well as uncontrolled desires or destructive impulses. Ravana is not portrayed simply as unintelligent: many traditions describe him as a scholar, capable ruler, musician, and devoted worshipper of Shiva.
The other options are figures from the same family or story world. Indrajit is Ravana’s son, Kumbhakarna his brother, and Vibhishana another brother who ultimately supports Rama.