Two numeral systems share the page
The sampled lines pair Devanagari and Arabic numerals with Maithili and English animal names: seven butterflies, four horses and three cows appear in the sequence. This gives a small counting book more than one representational layer. Quantity, written numeral and named object can be compared rather than treated as the same thing.
The critical test is whether the pictures support actual counting, not merely recognition of a printed answer. A child should be able to point, count and then check the label. The bilingual arrangement can help a reader move between scripts, but that benefit depends on the relationship among image, number and speech. This note concerns the sampled text and does not certify every pictured count. Preeti Thakur is credited as translator; the book's original contributors remain acknowledged in its own credits.
A QUESTION TO CARRY BACK
Can the quantity be established from the picture before either printed numeral is read?
THE BASIS OF THIS ASSESSMENT
Selected-passage criticism
Based on selected passages from the linked edition, not a complete reading. Page references below count PDF pages, including front matter. Translation fidelity has not been independently verified.
Examples consulted · PDF pages 4, 6, 9, 10. Page numbers include front matter; viewer numbering may differ.
Catalogue context: Videha Books. Consulted 8 September 2026. Full method and coverage.