The town was the headquarters of the Vaghela family in the middle ages, who were the vassals of the Solanki rulers of Gujarat. After the collapse of the Solanki dynasty, the Vaghelas rose to prominence and ruled Gujarat.
According to the 2001 census report, Dholka had a population of 53,792 inhabitants. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48% of the population. In Dholka, 12% of the population is less than six years of age. Dholka has an average literacy rate of 66%, which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 73% and the female literacy rate is 59%.
A major attraction of Dholka is the Swaminarayan Temples and one of the first Swaminarayan Temples is located here. There is a prasadi temple of Lord Nagnath and at about a distance of 11km. there is Ganesh Dholka. Another major point of attraction is the Vageshwari Temple, dedicated to Vageshwari Mataji. The place is also famous for the numerous Islamic monuments found here. The Indo-Saracenic style of architecture is prevalent in most of the monuments. The town is also famous for the Jain Temple Kalikund Tirth, a pilgrimage spot for Jain devotees.
