It was established largely during the Tencho and Showa eras (from the 820s to the 840s) of the early Heian period, and it is assumed to have been intended to serve as an incentive measure to spur development during this period.
勅旨田が設定されたのは平安時代前期の天長・承和年間（820年代～840年代）に集中しており、この時期の開発奨励政策を反映したものと考えられている。