By 700 AD, many regions of Indian sub-continent already possessed distinct geographical dimensions and their own language and cultural characteristics. An empire comprises of the areas of many smaller regions or smaller kingdoms.
Pan-regional empire was developed in different dynasties. e.g. the empires of Chola, Tughluqs and Mughals without losing their distinctiveness.

The term 'Hindustan' has changed over the centuries in the following ways
For the first time, in the 13th century, Minhaj-i-Siraj used the term 'Hindustan'. By 'Hindustan' he meant the areas of Punjab, Haryana and the land between Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
The poet Arnir Khusrau used this term in his poems  14th century.
In the 16th century, Babur used the term to describe the geography, the fauna and the culture of the inhabitants of the subcontinent.
Important point is that the term 'Hindustan' did not carry the political and national meanings as we use it today.

The technological changes are
Use of Persian wheel in irrigation.
Use of spinning wheel in weaving.
Use of firearms in a battlefield.

Rulers made the exaggerated claims of conquests as they wanted to show others that they had control over large areas. They were the real rulers of the country. No other ruler could fight or challenge them. They showed power to make others fearful towards them.

Throughout the period there was a gradual clearing of forests and the extension of agriculture. These changes in their 'habitat' forcing the forest-dwellers to migrate into new lands. Many others started tilling the land and became peasants.
Regional markets, chieftains, priests, monasteries and temples began to influence the society. People were made to pay taxes to the ruler of the kingdom.
Significant developments were noticed which created differences among people and groups. Some possessed more productive lands, many others kept cattle.
People were categorised into 'Jatis' or sub-castes based on their occupations and were ranked according to their background. The status of the same Jati could vary from area to area. 

Differences Map 1 and Map 2 given in the NCERT text book (Map 2) represent two different times
Map 1 was made in 1154 CE by Al-ldrisi, an Arab geographer, the map given here is the map of Indian subcontinent from his larger map of the world.
Map 2 was made by a French cartographer in 1720. Both maps are quite different from each other in mode of presentation and contexts. However, both traced the outlines of the area of Indian subcontinent in their cartography.
Similarities Map 1, South India was at that place where North India is at present and Sri Lanka is the island the top. Name of place were in Arabic. Today's map of India is far ahead of Map 1 and Map 2. It is made to scale and shows clear-cut boundaries and areas.

The names of languages which changed over time are as follows
Lahori : Punjabi
Telangani : Telugu
Gujari : Gujarati
Mabari : Tamil
Gauri : Bengali
Hindawi : Hindi