How old is the venu?

The flute behind the venu is one of the most ancient wind instruments, and in Indian culture it is associated with Krishna. A Music Academy lecture abstract notes that ancient flutes had fewer finger holes and limited ranges, and accompanied folk music, theatre and dance. The Silappatikaram, the Natyasastra, sculpture and painting record its history. It grew into an instrument for the ragas and gamakas of Carnatic music.