First woman Rudra Veena player

Women were barred from playing the Rudra Veena until Jyoti Hegde took it upon her shoulders, literally, defying gender discrimination and superstition. She strode into a male-dominated arena with determination to become a pioneer. The earliest depiction of this ancient instrument, revered in Hindu mythology and history, is found in the murals in the Ajanta caves. Here is an interesting article on Jyoti Hegde and on the origins and history of Rudra Veena.