For a detailed breakdown on the reasons behind this, you can check out YouTuber Spice8Racks explanation of the origin of Rakshasas and how they were changed for Dungeons & Dragons and then Magic
Many curves want to start with a Monastery Swiftspear on one and then to have the option to cycle a Defiant Strike on two while playing a land that enters the battlefield tapped, like Needle Spires or a Battle land
Dealing damage to an opponent is the surest way to get on their bad side, and dealing damage to everyone basically ensures players will try to gang up on you
Both cost eight mana, three of it their color
with designs like this, white could never get ahead on mana, it could only ever get to parity at best
Its just an incredible workhorse of a card, and this reprint makes it easier to grab than ever