The Buckingham and Carnatic Mills in Chennai were among the prominent textile manufacturing sites in India, employing a large number of workers, many of whom faced dire working conditions. The strike was a culmination of mounting frustrations among the labor force over wages that were not commensurate with the rising cost of living and excessive hours that left them little time for their families. The workers' grievances were compounded by a lack of collective bargaining power and representation, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

Beginning in June 1921, the strike attracted not just the local workers but also garnered attention from various labor unions and political organizations advocating for workers' rights. The organization of the strike was carried out methodically, with workers participating in marches and public meetings to draw attention to their plight. Activists utilized pamphlets and community forums to spread the word, emphasizing the need for solidarity among the working class.

The duration of the strike was marked by increased tensions between the workers and mill owners. Protests escalated, and at times clashes occurred between striking workers and police forces. The situation drew the interest of national leaders and highlighted the burgeoning labor movement in India. As the government and mill owners attempted to negotiate, the workers remained resolute in their demands, exemplifying a pivotal moment in the struggle for labor rights in the region.