The Portuguese established a colony in Goa in 1510 and gradually expanded it to its present boundaries during the 17th and 18th centuries. Goa was annexed by India on 19 December 1961. Following annexation, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, became the Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu, and was organised into a single district in 1965.
On 30 May 1987, Goa attained statehood, while Daman and Diu became a separate union territory. At that time, Goa was reorganised into two districts: North Goa and South Goa.
With the aim of improving administration and governance, the southern and eastern talukas of the former South Goa District — Dharbandora, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona — were carved out to form the new Kushavati District. The district headquarters is notified at Quepem Taluka.